Nationwide Protests Announced by NASU and SSANU; See Date
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called for a nationwide protest. This decision comes after recent discussions between the unions and the Ministers of Education and Labour broke down.
According to a circular sent to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, the protests are scheduled to start on July 8, 2024, across various state chapters, culminating in a national protest in Abuja on July 18, 2024. The circular, released in Abuja on Sunday, was signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim.
The circular explains: “On July 4, 2024, the National JAC of NASU and SSANU evaluated the situation concerning the withheld four months’ salaries and other grievances affecting our members in universities and inter-university centers.
“Despite meetings with the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, other ministry officials, and the National Universities Commission (NUC), there has been no convincing commitment to resolving our issues. Our meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment was equally unproductive, as the Honourable Minister of State was unavailable, and the Permanent Secretary could not provide any assurances.
“In response to the government’s lack of action on our grievances, JAC has planned a series of industrial actions. All branches of NASU and SSANU are to hold a general meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, to inform members about the government’s lack of sensitivity to our concerns.
“On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, each branch will hold a one-day protest, ensuring full participation and media coverage. The national protest in Abuja is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2024. Following this, JAC will announce a strike date.”
