Breaking: Nigerian University Staff Commence Indefinite Strike

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on Monday, October 27, 2024.

The strike decision comes under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff unions in universities, which coordinates their unified industrial actions.

In a circular addressed to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, JAC revealed that the indefinite strike aims to protest the non-payment of four months of withheld salaries. These unpaid wages stem from the unions’ participation in an industrial action led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The strike, originally planned to commence on October 23, was postponed due to a scheduled Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the same day at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The circular, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, emphasized the need for strategic timing to ensure effective coordination between the unions.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for 50 percent of the withheld salaries to be paid, JAC expressed frustration with what it described as the “inaction” of the Minister of Finance in executing the directive. The unions suggested that the lack of follow-through raised doubts about the government’s commitment to resolving their grievances.

“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation,” the circular stated. “However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.”

Explaining the timing shift for the strike, JAC’s leadership stated that the new start date of October 27 was chosen to allow branch officers to be present at their stations and ensure synchronized action by both unions.

“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured,” the statement concluded.

The unions are demanding full payment of the outstanding salaries and have signaled their intent to remain on strike until their demands are met.
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