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 intensified its strike over four months of withheld salaries, impacting university operations nationwide. JAC leaders stated that the strike, which began on Monday, includes university executives such as vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars.
SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed a halt in university activities, with 98% compliance reported nationwide. He stressed that the strike would continue until the government fulfills salary payments, and that no response has been received from government officials.
This industrial action comes as Dr. Tunji Alausa takes office as the new Minister of Education, following former Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman’s dismissal. Ibrahim highlighted that the union is resolute in its stance and will not tolerate further delays or unfulfilled promises from the government.
In a statement released on Sunday by SSANU President Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the unions demand the settlement of withheld salaries, earned allowances, and the full execution of agreements made with the government in 2009. The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) also announced a nationwide protest starting November 6, targeting grievances over five months of unpaid wages and unfulfilled agreements.
NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma, following a meeting in Abuja, outlined the union’s demands, including a two-week ultimatum to the government for salary payment, improved allowances, laboratory funding, and staff-to-student ratio improvements. Additionally, NAAT plans to picket the Ministry of Finance on November 14 to press for the enforcement of the President’s directive regarding salary payments.