As tensions escalate in Nigeria’s educational sector, a significant labor dispute looms due to government’s failure to address longstanding salary issues.
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association (SSANU) of Nigerian Universities is set to begin an indefinite strike on Monday.
Ultimatum Expiration
This decision comes after the seven-day ultimatum given to the Nigerian Government to address withheld salaries expired at midnight on Sunday.
The strike is a response to the government’s failure to pay outstanding salaries.
This failure led to the invocation of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy during the prolonged strike in 2022.
According to Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, and Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, the government had been given ample time to resolve the issue.
Previously, the unions had provided a 10-day grace period, which expired on July 26, 2024, to pay the four months of outstanding salaries to university staff.
Consequently, the indefinite strike is set to commence due to the government’s inaction.
It remains unclear how long it will last or what impact it will have on the education sector.
Circular Statement
In a recent circular, it was stated: “The last circular of the Joint Action Committee of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities titled, ‘Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four Months’ Salaries’ referenced JAC/NS/VOL.III/32 dated 21st October 2024 refers.”
Furthermore, the circular indicated, “the circular under reference gave seven days to the Federal Government to do the needful in respect of our demands for payment of outstanding four months’ salaries and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government on 20th August 2022, which expires at midnight on Sunday, 27th October 2024.”
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NASU And SSANU Expression Of Frustration
Moreover, it expressed frustration: “It is quite appalling that we have issued several ultimatums thereafter with no positive result from the Government.
“It is therefore obvious that the Government is not positively disposed to our rightful and legitimate demands in spite of several interactions, dialogues, exchanges of correspondence, and assurances of payment—all to no avail.”
The statement continued: “We have exercised considerable and prolonged patience, allowing multiple deadlines to pass without receiving a satisfactory response to our demands by the Government.”
Directive For NASU And SSANU
In view of this situation, the directive states: “This is to direct all our members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres throughout the country to hold a joint congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 28th October 2024, and proceed on an indefinite, comprehensive, and total strike action as no concession should be given in any guise.”
Lastly, it emphasised: “All the State-Owned Universities can also incorporate their local demands into this strike action as appropriate.
“Your strict compliance and adherence to this directive is mandatory for all NASU and SSANU branches in both Federal and State-Owned Universities as well as Inter-University Centres.”
