The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have commenced a nationwide strike to protest what they perceive as unfair treatment and salary disparities by the Federal Government. SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the strike's initiation on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program, emphasizing that workers in key university departments like registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services, paralyzing administrative activities across public universities.
Ibrahim expressed disappointment that government representatives have not engaged with the non-academic unions formally, despite some unofficial assurances. He accused certain government officials of non-compliance with President Bola Tinubu's directive to pay 2022 arrears to varsity unions, suspecting "saboteurs" within the government.
The strike action follows a seven-day notice issued by the unions last Monday, with SSANU and NASU warning of further action if their demands remain unmet. They lamented that Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars have not received their 2022 arrears, threatening to disrupt hostel services and power supply in universities if the government fails to address their grievances.
The unions criticized the government for paying withheld salaries to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) while neglecting SSANU and NASU. They recalled an eight-month strike in 2022 and accused the Accountant General's office of disregarding President Tinubu's waivers for unions involved in the previous strike. Ibrahim underscored the need for equitable treatment across all university unions, highlighting the interconnectedness of university operations.
The strike reflects escalating tensions between university workers and the government, signaling a prolonged standoff until their demands are met and fair treatment ensured.
