Indefinite Strike Declared
The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU has declared an indefinite strike due to four months of withheld salaries. This action has resulted in universities across Nigeria experiencing significant disruptions and operational paralysis. Workers demand payment as they continue their strike across the nation, seeking resolution to their long-standing grievances.
Widespread Compliance Reported
In an interview with The PUNCH, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed that university executives also have not received their salaries. He stated that universities will remain closed until the salaries are paid in full. Ibrahim highlighted that the ongoing strike has achieved 98 percent compliance across all institutions nationwide.
No Government Communication
Ibrahim expressed concern about the government’s lack of communication, noting no invitations or interventions related to the ongoing strike. He emphasised that the absence of dialogue from officials underscores the seriousness of the situation. Ibrahim indicated that universities will remain closed until all withheld salaries are fully paid.
New Minister Faces Immediate Challenge
The recent dismissal of former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman increases the challenges for new minister Dr. Tunji Alausa. Both Ibrahim and SSANU Vice President Abdussobur Salaam noted that the government has not addressed the ongoing strike. They emphasised that the unions’ demands remain unfulfilled despite the change in leadership.
Escalating Protests on the Horizon
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has announced a nationwide protest over its members’ withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements with the government. NAAT plans to commence its protest on November 6, 2024, if their demands are not met. President Ibeji Nwokoma stated that they would conduct a referendum to decide whether to escalate their actions into an indefinite strike if there is no positive response by November 13.
Long-standing Grievances Remain Unaddressed
NAAT’s frustrations reflect broader issues of government responsiveness to educational funding and staff welfare. The union has expressed disappointment over the lack of action regarding the President’s directive to release withheld salaries. They insist that the government must take urgent and decisive action to address these grievances to avoid significant disruptions to the academic calendar and research activities.
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