NASU and SSANU have announced a nationwide protest starting July 9, 2024, due to unresolved grievances with the Federal Government. The protests will occur across state chapters, with a national demonstration in Abuja on July 18, 2024, over issues including unpaid salaries and other grievances.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a nationwide protest, starting on July 9, 2024, due to unresolved grievances with the Federal Government. This protest will be conducted across state chapters, with a national demonstration planned in Abuja on July 18, 2024.
The unions' decision follows a breakdown in dialogue between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU and the Ministers of Education and Labour. A circular, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, was issued to all branch chairmen, instructing them to mobilize members for the protests.
The circular details the failure of the recent meetings with government officials to resolve the unions' issues, including the non-payment of four months' salaries and other grievances. The engagement with the Minister of Education failed to yield any convincing commitment towards resolving these issues. Additionally, a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment proved unproductive, as the Honourable Minister of State was unavailable, and the Permanent Secretary could not commit to any resolutions.
In response to the government's perceived insensitivity, the JAC has outlined a series of industrial actions. These include mandatory general meetings at all NASU and SSANU branches on July 8, 2024, to sensitize members, followed by a one-day protest on July 9, 2024, at each branch. The national protest in Abuja on July 18, 2024, will precede a JAC meeting to determine the commencement date for a strike action. The unions have called for full participation and media mobilization for the protests. Further updates will be communicated as the situation progresses.
