The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing non-teaching staff unions in universities, which includes the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has announced that its members will initiate a nationwide indefinite strike starting Monday due to the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.
The strike is set to begin on the evening of September 27, 2024, as stated by the leaders of both unions.
In a circular addressed to all branch chairpersons of NASU and SSANU at universities and inter-university centers, titled “Latest Development Regarding Withheld Salaries,” JAC clarified that the strike, originally scheduled for October 23, has been postponed to accommodate the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on that date.
The circular, co-signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, indicated that this adjustment in timing was made to ensure effective coordination and alignment between the two unions.
JAC expressed disappointment that, despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the disbursement of 50 percent of the withheld salaries, the lack of action from the Minister of Finance has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing this matter.
The circular further noted that JAC of NASU and SSANU has previously issued several notices to the government urging a resolution to this troubling situation. However, there are growing doubts regarding the government’s sincerity in supporting their cause.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled to be held 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 should be moved to midnight on Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the branch officers of NASU to be on the ground before commencing the strike.
“We have to make 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,” the statement noted.
