The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has initiated an indefinite strike in response to four months of withheld salaries.
The strike, which began on Monday, has resulted in a complete shutdown of university activities across Nigeria.
In an interview with journalists , SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim highlighted that the strike not only affects the non-academic staff but also university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, who have similarly been deprived of their salaries. He emphasized that the universities will remain closed until all salary payments are fulfilled, reporting a striking 98 percent compliance rate with the strike across institutions.
Ibrahim noted a lack of communication from the government regarding the situation, stating, “No one from the government has reached out to us. We have withdrawn our services, and our members are resolute they will not return to work until all salaries are paid.”
The recent change in the Ministry of Education, with Dr. Tunji Alausa taking over from Prof. Tahir Mamman, brings additional scrutiny to how the new minister will address the ongoing strike. Despite some informal contacts between union executives and the Minister of State for Education, there has been no substantial progress reported.
SSANU Vice President Abdussobur Salaam echoed these sentiments, stating that past promises from the government have gone unfulfilled. The unions are demanding the payment of withheld salaries, improved remuneration, and adherence to agreements made in 2009 with the government.
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has also announced a nationwide protest due to five months of unpaid salaries and unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government. NAAT plans to picket the Ministry of Finance on November 14 and has issued a two-week ultimatum to resolve their grievances. They express frustration over the government’s inaction despite the President’s approval for salary payments that remain unprocessed.
NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma detailed the union’s longstanding demands, which include improved allowances for academic technologists and better funding for university laboratories. If their demands are not met by November 13, NAAT plans to escalate their actions into an indefinite strike, which could further impact the academic calendar and research activities.
Both unions are urging the government to take decisive actions to prevent further disruptions to the education sector, reflecting deep-rooted frustrations with governmental responses to long-standing issues.
