NASU and SSANU Issue New Strike Ultimatum; See Reasons
The peaceful atmosphere in many Nigerian universities is at risk as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued a fresh strike threat over unpaid salaries.
In a letter dated June 19 and referenced JAC/NS/VOL.III/01, addressed to the Minister of Education, the unions warned that their members would stop working if the government does not release the withheld salaries. The letter, from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, was signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU National Secretary Peters Adeyemi.
Background
In March, the unions staged a one-week warning strike over four months of unpaid salaries from a 2022 strike. While President Bola Tinubu’s administration paid part of the withheld salaries, only four out of eight months’ worth of salaries for academic staff were disbursed, leaving SSANU and NASU members unpaid.
Despite writing to the Minister of Education and the President’s Chief of Staff, the unions received no response, prompting their decision to threaten another strike.
New Threat
The unions claim the government’s failure to pay the withheld salaries, despite repeated communications and assurances, has led to significant frustration among workers. The letter states, “We view it as an act of insincerity and neglect on the part of the Government to the yearnings and aspirations of our members. This also negates the spirit of collective bargaining and builds distrust.”
The JAC warned that continued inaction by the government could disrupt industrial peace and harmony in universities. They have given a two-week ultimatum, after which they threaten to “shut down the universities and inter-university centers” if their demands are not met.
