NASU, SSANU Begin Indefinite Strike Over Four Months’ Unpaid Salaries

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has declared an indefinite, nationwide strike set to commence at midnight on Sunday, October 27.

This includes the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

The strike is in response to unpaid salaries spanning four months, a situation they say has severely impacted their members.

 

The JAC's decision underscores growing frustration over the federal government’s alleged inaction regarding the salary payments, despite an approval by President Bola Tinubu to release 50% of the withheld funds.

According to the unions, a lack of follow-through by the Minister of Finance has raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.

 

In a circular issued to NASU and SSANU branch chairmen nationwide, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, the unions called for a strategic delay of the strike initially scheduled for October 23.

The date was adjusted to allow for a Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches, held on October 23-24 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to align union members and coordinate efforts.

 

The circular highlighted that this strike was “a necessary measure” to hold the federal government accountable and to advocate for the rights of university non-teaching staff as essential personnel within the educational system.

JAC leaders have urged members to participate fully in the industrial action, emphasising the unions’ resolve to continue the strike “until ultimate victory is secured.”

 

“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment,” the circular stated.

“We affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”

 

The strike marks the latest chapter in a series of disputes between Nigerian university staff unions and the government, potentially impacting university operations nationwide until the government addresses the unions' demands.