Uncertainty As SSANU Vows To Shut Down Nigerian Universities, Gives Date

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has reiterated its resolve to shut down universities nationwide if the federal government fails to meet its demands within the next seven days.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, reiterated the union’s position during an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics program.

Ibrahim emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are in charge of security, administration, medicals, hostels, electricity, everything apart from teaching. Once our members down tools, no university can function in Nigeria.”

Highlighting the grievances prompting this action, Ibrahim lamented the neglect faced by non-teaching staff within the university system. He stressed the vital role played by these professionals and the consequences of their absence.

“It’s quite absurd that we have to speak like this and it is because we have been clearly shown that we do not matter in the system while we all know that there is no university that can function without the non-teaching staff,” Ibrahim remarked.

He recounted the events of 2022 when SSANU and NASU went on strike from March 27 to August 27, with the expectation of resolving issues through government intervention. However, despite agreements reached, Ibrahim highlighted the government’s failure to fulfill its commitments.

Ibrahim expressed frustration over the government’s selective treatment, particularly concerning the reinstatement of withheld salaries. He emphasized, “Today, as I speak to you, our colleagues in ASUU have been able to get theirs and no one is saying anything about NASU and SSANU.”

Concluding his remarks, Ibrahim emphasized the union’s willingness to avert industrial action if the government addresses their concerns within the stipulated seven-day ultimatum.