In recent months, tensions have escalated in Nigeria’s higher education sector as non-academic staff raise their voices against unpaid salaries.
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mohammed Ibrahim, warned that the nationwide strike would continue indefinitely.
This action will persist until union members receive payment for their withheld salaries.
Strike Background
Ibrahim shared these insights during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
SSANU, along with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, initiated this indefinite industrial action in response to the Federal Government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries following the 2022 strike by university workers.
No Plans To Suspend Strike
When asked if they would suspend the strike if the new Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, assured them of payment, Ibrahim firmly rejected the idea.
He emphasised that the union had already engaged in discussions with four different ministers and was unwilling to pursue that route again.
He said: “I can confirm to you that we were contacted yesterday and this morning by former Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sunomu, who said he was speaking at the instance of the new minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
“We are scheduled to meet within the week to see how we can sort out this problem”.
People Also Read: NASU, SSANU Begin Indefinite Strike Over Withheld Salaries
SSANU Demand For Direct Payment
However, Ibrahim reiterated that unless their members’ accounts receive direct payment, the strike would continue.
“But we have made it very clear that we have had meetings with four ministers now.
“So, it is not an issue of meeting. The issue is that we want payment as every procedure has been followed.
“They can simply direct the payment for the release of this money, and I assure you, in less than 24 hours, we will just refer back to our principals, and this strike will be suspended,” he explained.
Ibrahim noted the repetitive nature of assurances from government officials.
“Assurances are not something we have not received before.
“So, assurances from politicians and government officials are not new things to us.
“But the mandate we have from our members is that this strike is independent and that we will only resume when we get the alerts for payments.”
Importance Of SSANU Members
According to Ibrahim, SSANU members are essential in every university.
Their contributions cannot be overlooked.
“The issue is that we even think that these things are done by people who should have known better.
“University is universal and it is a system. No one can claim to be more important than the other.”
He elaborated on their critical roles.
“We are in charge of electricity, water, medical health, student affairs, planning for academics themselves, construction, and security in the university.
“So, the first port of call by a student, teacher, or visitor is our members. And the last point of the call is also our members.”
Finally, he emphasised the need for respect for their roles.
“Therefore, no one should look at our job as something that is pedestrian or something that is second-class.
“They should understand that the university has a system that should operate seamlessly and that everybody should be allowed to do their job.”
