It Has Already Started- NASU, SSANU Begin Strike, Ground Activities In Universities

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have embarked on a nationwide strike today (Monday) to protest alleged unfair treatment and salary disparities by the Federal Government.

Last Monday, the unions issued a warning, threatening to shut down university hostels and power supply nationwide if their demands were not met by today, March 18, 2024.

National President of SSANU, Muhammed Ibrahim, voiced grievances over the non-payment of 2022 arrears to members, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars.

Confirming the commencement of the strike, Ibrahim stated, “Definitely, it (the strike) has already started. As of today (Monday), all our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services and nothing moves within the administration of any public university in Nigeria, and that will be the case for the next seven days until and unless the needful is done.”

Expressing disappointment, Ibrahim highlighted the lack of government communication with the non-academic unions, despite issuing a seven-day notice last Monday. He criticized the absence of outreach from the Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, contrasting it with the responsiveness of former Labour Minister Chris Ngige.

He emphasized that the unions would deliberate on their next steps should the government fail to address their demands after the seven-day warning strike, which commenced today.