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 commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down university activities nationwide.
This decision came after the federal government failed to meet the union’s demands, including paying four months’ withheld salaries, improving remuneration earning allowances, and implementing the 2009 agreement.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi. The statement noted that the government’s ultimatum expired at midnight on Sunday. The unions have directed all NASU and SSANU branches across federal and state universities and inter-university centres to participate fully in the strike.
The strike is in response to the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy implemented during previous university strikes in 2022, which led to withheld salaries. Although President Bola Tinubu had directed a partial release of these salaries, only academic staff received payment, leaving non-teaching staff without their dues. The unions view this as unfair and have engaged in protests and warning strikes, yet no resolution has been reached.
During a protest in July, the unions warned of a shutdown if their demands were not addressed. Despite subsequent assurances from President Tinubu, no payments have been made. Highlighting the crucial roles their members play in campus operations, such as managing water, electricity, internet, and security services, the unions argue that their contributions are essential for university functionality.
In response to the government’s inaction, SSANU and NASU members are holding joint campus congresses today to formalise the launch of the indefinite strike.
