Striking Varsity Workers Vow to Continue Indefinite Strike Amid Unpaid Salaries

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) has declared an indefinite strike, citing unpaid salaries for the past four months.

This comprehensive strike involves university leaders, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, and has led to a complete halt of operations across Nigerian universities.

In an interview, SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the strike’s high compliance rate, stating, “Adherence is at 98%, and our members are committed to not returning until all outstanding salaries are cleared.”

READ ALSO: Antisemitism: Adidas Ends Fight With Kanye West

Ibrahim lamented that no government representative had reached out to address their concerns, emphasizing, “This is a long-term effort.”

The leadership change in the Ministry of Education, now headed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, has yet to produce any official response to the workers’ demands. Ibrahim highlighted that senior university officials are equally affected by the unpaid salaries.

In a joint statement, SSANU and NASU reiterated their demands for back pay, improved benefits, and the implementation of a 2009 agreement with the government. Additionally, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) plans to protest at the Ministry of Finance on November 14 if their own demands for withheld salaries are not met.

The protests are set to begin on November 6, with branches mobilized nationwide.