Nationwide University Strike Stands Firm
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has maintained an indefinite strike, paralysing university operations across Nigeria. Union leaders report that, despite continuous shutdowns, the Federal Government has yet to address their grievances formally, leaving educational institutions in disarray.
SSANU Speaks on Unmet Demands
Speaking to PUNCH on Tuesday, Abdussobur Salaam, SSANU’s National Vice-President, expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s lack of action. He noted that while the Minister of State for Education made informal contact, no formal engagement has occurred to resolve the ongoing strike. “There’s no progress,” Salaam stated, emphasising that communication so far has been “informal and insubstantial.”
Delayed Agreements Fuel Discontent
The indefinite strike, which began over withheld salaries and unpaid allowances, is in response to unfulfilled terms in a 2009 agreement. Despite a recent ultimatum that expired on October 27, the government has failed to make payment on outstanding salaries or implement the August 2022 Memorandum of Understanding. SSANU leaders argue that the government’s “repeated promises without action” continue to erode trust.
National Peaceful Protest Ignored
The strike follows a peaceful protest organised by JAC in July, where union members called for a 10-day response to their demands. However, their calls went unanswered, pushing the unions to take more drastic action. SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi have criticised the “No Work, No Pay” policy, a stance the government reinforced in 2022, which they claim further strains relations between the government and university staff.
SSANU Demands Government Action
Union leaders, frustrated by ongoing neglect, warned they will continue the strike until the government takes concrete action. Salaam noted that recent government responses consisted only of informal phone calls and urged authorities to make decisive moves. “We have come too far to accept empty promises; if payments remain withheld, our strike will persist,” he declared.
Future Uncertain for Nigerian Universities
With no end to the strike in sight, the standoff between SSANU, NASU, and the Federal Government deepens, leaving university students in limbo. Union representatives demand improved remuneration and essential reforms, making it clear that the strike will continue indefinitely until these conditions are met.
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