The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) has given the federal government a three-week ultimatum to settle withheld four months’ salaries. The unions are ready to shut down academic activities if their demands are not met.
In a statement signed by Peter Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, the unions expressed shock that six weeks after the initial ultimatum, no concrete action has been taken regarding payment of withheld salaries and implementation of agreements reached on August 20, 2022.
Key Demands:
- Payment of Withheld Salaries: Four months’ salary arrears owed to NASU and SSANU members
- Renegotiation of 2009 Agreement: Long overdue renegotiation of the agreement, initially scheduled for every three years
- Implementation of President Tinubu’s Wage Award: Three months’ arrears of the wage award
The unions criticized the government’s “divide and rule” policy, selectively paying withheld salaries to other unions while neglecting NASU and SSANU. They argued that their members are professionals providing essential services, including health, security, and administrative support.
If the federal government fails to meet their demands, the unions will embark on an indefinite strike, crippling university activities nationwide. This development follows a warning strike at the University of Abuja, where protesting workers blocked entrances and shut down access to the institution.
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