BREAKING: Again, Universities Face Lockdown as Non-Academic Staff Start Indefinite Strike Today

Bashar Jelani Limanchi

2 months ago

In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions between the federal government and university staff, 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) have commenced an indefinite strike, effective today, October 28, 2024. This action follows the expiration of an ultimatum given to the government concerning the payment of withheld salaries.

The announcement, made via a statement signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, highlights the unions’ demands for the payment of four months of unpaid salaries, improved compensation, and the implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government. The unions argue that despite multiple ultimatums and protests, their demands have largely been ignored.

The Federal Government’s previous invocation of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy during the prolonged strike by university unions in 2022 has left many workers in financial distress, particularly non-teaching staff who have seen their salaries withheld without resolution. In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu authorized the payment of some of the withheld salaries to academic staff, but the silence regarding non-academic staff payments has raised significant concerns and dissatisfaction.

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The unions’ latest circular directed all NASU and SSANU branches across both federal and state-owned universities to comply with the strike order, emphasizing the necessity for unity in the action. “Your strict compliance and adherence to this directive is mandatory,” the statement declared, urging state universities to include local issues in the protest.

During the strike, which encompasses key services such as water supply, electricity, communication, and security on campuses, students and faculty alike are preparing for a potential standstill. SSANU President Ibrahim noted that the strike could be called off if the government resolves the outstanding payments immediately.

Previous attempts at dialogue, including a peaceful protest held in July 2024, have failed to yield any favorable response from the government. Despite assurances from the education ministry that the withheld salaries were under review, the unions expressed frustration at the lack of action.

The strike comes as the outgoing Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, is set to hand over to the incoming Dr. Tunji Alausa this Wednesday. As the situation develops, the response from the Federal Ministry of Education remains pending, with efforts to obtain comments on the industrial action proving unsuccessful at the time of this report.

This latest strike underscores the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s educational sector and raises significant questions about the government’s commitment to resolving the issues affecting university staff and ensuring a stable academic environment for students.

Source: Punch Newspapers

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