National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has vowed to keep universities shut down nationwide until the Federal Government (FG) addresses its demands.
The indefinite strike, which began Monday, involves senior university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, whose salaries have been withheld for four months.
SSANU National President, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, in an interview with The Punch on Wednesday, described the situation as a “long-term battle” and expressed frustration over the FG’s silence.
“Our members are resolute,” Ibrahim said. “They will not return to work until all salaries are paid. We’ve achieved 98% compliance across universities; those yet to join fully will do so soon.”
Despite a recent cabinet change, with Dr. Tunji Alausa replacing Professor Tahir Mamman as the new Education Minister, Ibrahim disclosed that neither the FG nor its representatives had reached out for negotiations.
“We have withdrawn our services, and no one from the government has reached out to us,” he emphasized.
In a related development, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) announced a nationwide protest slated to begin on November 6, citing unpaid five-month salaries and unfulfilled agreements with the FG.
NAAT President, Ibeji Nwokoma, stated that branches across universities, polytechnics, and colleges would mobilize in protest and would picket the Ministry of Finance on November 14 if their grievances remain unaddressed.
Nwokoma, speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, gave the FG a two-week ultimatum to implement their demands or face the prospect of an indefinite strike.
“We have seen empty promises too many times. If we don’t see alerts, we will not back down,” he said, adding that NAAT had previously issued ultimatums which were ignored.
The FG’s apparent reluctance to act, despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for withheld salaries, has led to widespread dissatisfaction.
“It is quite unfortunate and regrettable that despite the President’s approval, the finance ministry has not acted,” said NAAT in a statement, accusing the FG of “insensitivity.”
The situation remains tense as unions and their members await FG action. As Ibrahim and Nwokoma emphasized, “If the FG does not take concrete steps, we will escalate this action.”
The unions warned that a prolonged strike could severely disrupt Nigeria’s tertiary education system, affecting academic calendars, research, and critical training programs across the country.
