Administrative operations at public universities across Nigeria came to a halt today as non-teaching staff launched an indefinite strike, disrupting academic activities and institutional functions.
This decision, taken by 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), stems from the government’s failure to pay four months of withheld salaries to their members.
The JAC’s strike announcement, communicated in a circular to all NASU and SSANU branch chairpersons on October 27, outlines the reasons behind this drastic action.
The original strike date was scheduled for October 23, but was postponed to ensure better coordination among union members, particularly following a significant Trade Group Council meeting held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The circular, jointly signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, highlighted that the decision to reschedule was made to facilitate a united front within the unions, allowing them to effectively articulate their grievances.
Despite a previous directive from President Bola Tinubu to release 50 percent of the withheld salaries, the unions expressed disappointment over the inaction of the Minister of Finance.
They indicated that this lack of timely payment raises serious concerns regarding the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis affecting their livelihoods.
“The JAC has issued multiple notices to the government regarding this pressing issue,” the statement noted. “However, we are left questioning the sincerity of the government in addressing our concerns. We are determined to continue our struggle until our demands are met.”
As the strike began at midnight on October 27, the impact was immediate, with administrative functions stalling across various universities and inter-university centers. This move is expected to have significant repercussions for students, faculty, and the overall academic calendar, with many fearing prolonged disruptions in their educational pursuits.
Union leaders are urging all members to remain steadfast and united during this challenging period. “We appreciate the unwavering support from our members and reaffirm our commitment to this struggle until we achieve victory,” they stated in the circular.
The JAC’s actions come in the wake of growing discontent among university staff over ongoing salary issues, a situation that has been festering for months. The withheld salaries not only affect the day-to-day lives of the staff but also threaten the stability of the educational environment within public institutions.
With no clear end in sight, the strike serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of academic operations in the face of unresolved labour disputes and the urgent need for government intervention to address the financial grievances of university staff.