Non-Academic Staff Strike Paralyses Kaduna State Varsity

Administrative activities at Kaduna State University (KASU) have been halted by a nationwide industrial action declared by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

LEADERSHIP gathered that the strike, which commenced last Friday in line with a national directive, has led to the withdrawal of non-academic staff services across the institution, effectively disrupting key administrative functions.

As a result, offices responsible for student records, documentation, admissions processing, and other essential services have been either shut down or operating at a very limited capacity.

Sources within the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the industrial action has significantly slowed down administrative processes, leaving students and staff struggling to access basic services.

The sources added that despite the recent implementation of the national minimum wage by the Federal Government, non-academic staff at KASU say the expected improvements in welfare have not been reflected in their working conditions.

While the strike appears largely effective, a staff member who preferred not to be named noted that a few workers are still reporting to duty, citing personal dedication to their responsibilities.

The development has also begun to raise concern among students, many of whom fear its impact on academic timelines, especially as examinations draw closer.

A postgraduate student of the institution, Florence Harry, expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the disruption has added to existing financial and academic pressures.

“I am not happy about it because I struggled to pay my school fees, and now this disruption has created more uncertainty. I am even confused about how to manage the situation”.

She added that the prolonged disruption of administrative services could adversely affect students’ examination preparation and clearance processes.

“We are hoping the strike will be called off soon because students will be writing exams in about a month. Without stability in the system, students may become distracted,” she added.

The NASU and SSANU strike is part of a nationwide industrial action over the Federal Government’s delayed renegotiation and implementation of the 2009 agreement.