A potential crisis is brewing in Nigeria’s university sector as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have given the Federal Government a three-week ultimatum to address their long-standing grievances.
At the forefront of their demands is the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, totaling billions of naira, which has left many university staff struggling to make ends meet. The unions are also seeking improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.
According to SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, the government’s inaction has pushed their members to the brink. “Our patience has worn thin, and we cannot continue to watch our members suffer,” they stated.
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The Federal Government’s previous invocation of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy during the 2022 strike has only exacerbated tensions. However, the unions point to President Bola Tinubu’s reported approval of the payment on July 18, 2024, as evidence of the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
Despite this, the payment remains outstanding, prompting the unions to take decisive action. “We have exhausted all avenues of dialogue and are left with no choice but to consider an indefinite strike,” Ibrahim and Adeyemi noted.
The potential strike would impact thousands of students and staff across Nigeria’s university system, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution. The unions’ demands are not just about financial compensation but also about recognizing the value and dignity of university workers.
As the clock ticks down on the three-week ultimatum, the government must act swiftly to address the unions’ concerns and prevent a disruptive strike.
