The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities, consisting of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has announced an indefinite nationwide strike. This action is set to commence on Sunday night, October 27, 2024, following a series of unresolved grievances.
Reason for the Strike: Withheld Salaries
The unions’ decision comes as a response to the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries, despite previous agreements with the government. A circular issued to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU across universities and inter-university centres highlighted the issue under the title, “Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four (4) Months’ Salaries.” This notice signals a shift from the initially planned strike date of October 23, postponed to coordinate with the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches.
Coordinated Efforts and Leadership Decisions
The circular, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, explained that the rescheduling aimed to ensure both unions could act in unison. The document cited the need for better coordination and alignment among union members to maximize the impact of the strike.
Government’s Alleged Lack of Commitment
The unions accuse the government of showing little commitment to resolving their grievances, pointing specifically to an alleged failure by the Minister of Finance to act on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to pay 50 percent of the withheld salaries. According to the circular, JAC of NASU and SSANU has repeatedly issued notifications to the government, urging them to resolve this “ugly situation,” but doubts remain about the government’s sincerity in addressing their demands.
Strategic Shift for Unified Action
The circular also noted that the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in universities and inter-university centres would be held on October 23 and 24, 2024, at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. To allow NASU branch officers to be present and fully prepared, the JAC decided to adjust the strike’s effective start time to midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
“We made this strategic change in timing for effective coordination, ensuring both unions are aligned,” the statement read.
Appreciation for Union Solidarity
In closing, the JAC leadership expressed deep gratitude to its members for their continued support and commitment. They reaffirmed their determination to persist in this struggle, emphasizing their collective goal of achieving “ultimate victory.”
