By DAYO ADESULU
SSANU and NASU Protest Withheld Salaries Amidst Government Inaction
On Monday, universities across Nigeria, particularly those owned by the federal government, were closed as non-academic staff under the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU) commenced an indefinite industrial action. This decision follows the failure of the government to pay four months of withheld salaries owed to these workers after the 2022 strike by university employees.
Background of the Strike
The strike was initiated after national leaders of SSANU and NASU directed their members to protest the government’s ongoing failure to fulfill its promise regarding salary payments. Comrade Olugbenga Adenaiya, Branch Chairman of SSANU at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), confirmed that a congress was held to discuss the national directive, resulting in a unanimous agreement to strike. He stated, “We cannot be treated like slaves in our country,” emphasizing the workers’ frustration over the government’s inaction despite previous assurances.
Impact on Academic Activities
The timing of the strike coincided with the scheduled start of the 2024/2025 academic session. In anticipation of possible disruptions, the university management had previously announced that lectures would be conducted online for the first few weeks. However, the strike has halted all offices and essential services provided by SSANU and NASU members.
Responses from Other Institutions
At the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Comrade Felix Adubi, the Chairman of SSANU, also confirmed that non-teaching staff had complied with the national call for a strike. He highlighted the perceived inequity in salary payments, questioning why academic staff received partial payments while non-academic staff remained unpaid. “We won’t budge until our demands are met,” he asserted.
Interestingly, some members of SSANU and NASU at the University of Abuja continued their normal duties on Monday, despite the national strike declaration. Dr. Habib Yakoob, the university’s Director of Public Relations, indicated that staff were present in their offices, pending the outcome of a congress that was set to officially declare the strike.
Historical Context and Previous Actions
This is not the first time the unions have expressed discontent over salary issues. In September 2023, SSANU and NASU issued a three-week ultimatum to the government to settle outstanding withheld salaries or face industrial action. The unions had previously conducted protests and warning strikes, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by non-teaching staff.
The matter is particularly significant considering the history of industrial actions in Nigerian universities. In 2022, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), alongside SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), engaged in prolonged strikes over similar grievances. While some academic staff received payments during the tenure of former Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman, non-teaching staff have seen little to no compensation despite presidential directives.
Conclusion
The indefinite strike by SSANU and NASU marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for fair treatment and remuneration of non-academic staff in Nigerian universities. As the situation develops, the impact on academic activities and the response from the government will be closely monitored.
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