Members of SSANU and NASU have begun an indefinite nationwide strike in Nigerian public universities over four months of withheld salaries. The unions demand immediate payment and express frustration over unequal treatment compared to ASUU.
Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have initiated an indefinite strike across public universities in Nigeria, demanding the release of their withheld salaries for the past four months. This strike was officially announced on October 28, 2024, following a statement from SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, who expressed frustration over the government's lack of action despite multiple warnings.
The unions have instructed their members to hold congresses on their campuses and proceed with the strike immediately, emphasizing that no concessions will be accepted. Before this, both unions had staged protests and warning strikes, disrupting university operations and demanding the payment of their salaries, which they claim have been unjustly withheld.
The unions also pointed out the disparity in treatment compared to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has received its withheld salaries. They accused the Federal Government of failing to address their grievances adequately and neglecting the non-academic staff's needs.
In September 2023, SSANU and NASU had issued a three-week ultimatum to the government to resolve the salary issues, threatening industrial action if their demands were not met. The current strike reflects ongoing tensions in Nigeria's higher education system, where staff are advocating for fair treatment and adequate support.
