The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have collectively determined to initiate an indefinite strike beginning on Monday.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the non-teaching staff unions within the universities, which is overseeing the strike action, has mandated its members to commence the strike on a nationwide scale.
This impending strike action is predicated upon the non-remittance of their salaries for a duration of four months, which were withheld during their participation in an industrial action initiated by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the leadership of the two unions, the strike is scheduled to commence on the evening of Sunday, October 27, 2024.
In a circular disseminated to all branch chairpersons of NASU and SSANU across universities and inter-university centers, titled “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” it was elucidated that the strike, originally planned for October 23, was postponed due to the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the designated date.
The circular, co-signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, clarified that this strategic adjustment in timing was intended to facilitate effective coordination and ensure alignment between both unions.
JAC expressed its disappointment that notwithstanding President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement for the disbursement of 50 percent of the withheld four months’ salaries, the purported inaction of the Minister of Finance has raised concerns regarding the government’s dedication to addressing this matter.
According to the circular, “It is on record that the JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded
“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to midnight of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike
“We had to do 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 we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
