The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities, which includes the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has announced a nationwide indefinite strike starting Monday.
This decision comes in response to the ongoing issue of unpaid salaries, specifically the four months’ worth of salaries that have been withheld from their members. The unions emphasize that this strike is a necessary measure to press for the immediate resolution of the salary payment crisis affecting their workforce and to advocate for their rights as essential staff in the university system.
The leaders of the two unions have confirmed that the strike is set to commence on the night of Sunday, October 27, 2024.
The unions are urging their members to be prepared to participate fully in the strike, which they believe is essential to pressuring the federal government to address the longstanding issue of unpaid salaries.
JAC in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
The circular which was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page.
JAC regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 percent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised question about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
According to the circular, “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded.
“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.
“We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page.
“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
