National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By David Olusegun
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has announced that its ongoing strike will conclude only when the Federal Government addresses its demands.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions, which includes SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, initiated an indefinite strike at midnight on October 27, 2024.
This action follows the government’s failure to pay four months’ salaries owed to members.
In a circular titled “Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four (4) Months’ Salaries,” the JAC, signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval to release 50 percent of the withheld salaries.
The unions criticized the Minister of Finance for not making progress on the issue, stating, “It is appalling that we have issued several ultimatums with no positive response from the Government.
It is clear that the Government is not responsive to our legitimate demands despite numerous discussions and assurances.”
They emphasized their patience in allowing multiple deadlines to pass without satisfactory action from the government.
The JAC has directed all members in universities and inter-university centers to hold a joint congress on October 28, 2024, and to proceed with a comprehensive and indefinite strike.
In an interview with NATIONAL TELESCOPE, Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola, National Vice President of SSANU, clarified, “This is not a time-limited strike; it is indefinite. Our primary demand is the payment of our four months of withheld salaries, and we expect the government to address the underlying issues that led to this strike.”
He further stated, “We are not enjoying this situation. Our previous efforts, including strikes and protests, have not yielded results, and we are left with no choice but to continue our action. If our demands are met, we will instruct our members to return to work immediately.”
