Protest Begins at University of Abuja
On Tuesday, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) members at the University of Abuja commenced a protest. They demanded the release of their four-month salaries withheld during the 2022 strike.
Union Leaders Address Press
Chapter President Nurudeen Yusuf described the government’s action as “provoking.” He stated that both academic and non-academic staff had their salaries withheld for participating in the eight-month industrial action that disrupted university operations in 2022.
Government’s Selective Payment
In October, President Bola Tinubu ordered the payment of four months of the withheld salaries, but only for academic staff. This decision excluded non-teaching staff, which has fueled further discontent among the unions.
Nationwide Protest Declared
Yusuf reiterated the unions’ stance, highlighting their disappointment with the government’s selective implementation of the presidential directive. He mentioned that the unions had already planned a nationwide protest to demand fair treatment and the release of their withheld salaries.
Call for Government Intervention
The union leaders called on the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour and Productivity to address their grievances. Yusuf warned that failure to resolve these issues could lead to a total shutdown of all universities in Nigeria, causing further disruption to the academic calendar.
Future Actions Planned
Yusuf emphasised that the unions are prepared to continue their protests until their demands are met. He urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further industrial disharmony and ensure the smooth operation of university activities.
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