The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) have jointly declared a 7-day warning strike, plunging the nation's higher education system into uncertainty. The move comes as a response to the non-payment of four months' worth of salaries, which have been withheld since the conclusion of the 2022 nationwide strike.
The decision was formalized during a crucial meeting of the joint action committee of SSANU and NASU, held in Akure over the weekend. The unions, representing a significant portion of university staff across the country, took this drastic step to protest the continued neglect of their members' financial welfare.
Sources close to the unions reveal that the failure to disburse the salaries has left many staff members in dire financial straits, with some struggling to meet their basic needs. The unions argue that such delays in payment not only undermine the dedication and hard work of their members but also jeopardize the overall quality of education and support services provided by universities.
The timing of this strike is particularly sensitive, as the nation grapples with various challenges in the education sector. The 7-day warning strike serves as a stern message to university administrators and government officials, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the salary payment issue.
The joint action committee has not ruled out the possibility of an extended strike if their demands are not met promptly. As the news of the strike reverberates across the nation, students, parents, and university stakeholders are anxiously awaiting further details on the situation.
Government officials have yet to release an official statement in response to the unions' demands. The lack of communication raises concerns about the potential impact of the strike on academic schedules, research activities, and other essential university functions.
