Withheld Salaries: Varsity Workers Begin Nationwide Strike Today

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have directed members to embark on a nationwide strike today over non-payment of four months of withheld salaries.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU expressed frustration with the government’s inaction despite President Bola Tinubu’s initial approval of a partial payment of 50% of the outstanding salaries.

The unions, in a circular signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, alleged that despite multiple appeals, the Ministry of Finance has delayed implementing the payment, leaving members to question the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances.

In a memo circulated to all NASU and SSANU branch leaders, the union leadership noted that a two-week ultimatum issued in their last circular had expired today without resolution.

The decision to strike was solidified following a meeting of the Trade Group Council of NASU branches at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, earlier last week.

The unions vowed to “persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”

The memo reads, “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the government’s sincerity toward our cause is doubtful.

However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, and Thursday, October 24th, 2024, at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting have already been concluded. ”

“Given this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike should be moved to midnight on Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the branch officers of NASU to be on the ground before commencing the strike.

We have to make this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.

“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured”.