Universities nationwide face a prolonged shutdown as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) embarks on an indefinite strike. The unions, representing non-academic staff, demand the release of four months of unpaid salaries and the fulfillment of long-standing agreements with the government.
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, emphasized that senior university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, have also been affected by the unpaid salaries. Ibrahim stated that until all outstanding salaries are paid, the universities will remain closed, noting that compliance with the strike was nearly total, with 98% of universities observing the shutdown.
“We have not received any official response from the government,” Ibrahim said, “and our members are resolute in not returning until all salaries are paid.”
Adding to the growing tension, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) announced a nationwide protest over a five-month salary delay. NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma declared a two-week ultimatum, beginning October 30, 2024, for the government to address their grievances, which include withheld salaries and unmet demands for university laboratory upgrades and better student-staff ratios. The union warned that, if unresolved, an indefinite strike could follow after November 13, disrupting academic and research activities across tertiary institutions.
The protests and strikes follow a series of failed agreements and ultimatums from unions to the government, despite recent approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of the withheld salaries.
