Four months withheld salaries: Anxiety as NASU, SSANU begin nationwide strike today
…Say despite multiple notices, FG’s sincerity is in doubt
By Sodiq Adelakun
Anxiety grips universities across Nigeria as members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) commence a nationwide strike today, following four months of withheld salaries.
The industrial action threatens to disrupt academic activities and worsen the financial struggles faced by university staff, igniting concerns among students and their families about the future of their education.
The decision was made following the unions’ dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction on releasing the withheld funds, despite an initial approval for 50 percent of the owed salaries by President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister of Finance’s lack of further action has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, according to union leaders.
In a circular titled “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” JAC directed all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in universities and inter-university centres to prepare for the strike.
The strike, initially set for October 23, was rescheduled to allow for a Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches, which took place at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on October 23rd and 24th.
“It is on record that 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, the circular reads.
“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 have 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 have 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.”
