University Administrative Work Set to Halt as NASU, SSANU Begin Indefinite Strike on Monday

Public university administration across Nigeria is bracing for disruption as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU — two major non-teaching staff unions in Nigeria’s higher education sector — begins an indefinite strike starting Sunday night, October 27, 2024. The unions are protesting the government’s failure to pay their members’ four months of withheld salaries.

In a directive to NASU and SSANU branches, JAC leaders detailed the decision to delay the strike initially scheduled for October 23 due to NASU’s Trade Group Council meeting. The circular, issued by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that the timing shift was aimed at ensuring alignment and effective coordination across the unions.

The withheld salaries remain a contentious issue, especially as President Bola Tinubu recently approved the payment of 50 percent of the outstanding amount. However, union leaders expressed frustration with the Ministry of Finance’s lack of prompt action, casting doubt on the government’s commitment to resolving the standoff.

The unions have consistently engaged with government representatives over this issue, issuing multiple warnings before taking strike action. Yet, members assert that government responses have shown a lack of sincerity, leading to the planned shutdown of essential administrative functions at universities nationwide.

“After careful coordination, JAC has decided to initiate the strike on Sunday, October 27, to ensure all branch officers of NASU are prepared,” the circular stated. “We are committed to securing our rightful dues and will persist in this struggle until we achieve a fair resolution.”