Nigerian Universities Shutdown As SSANU, NASU Embark On Warning Strike
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have commenced a nationwide strike due to salary disparities.
The unions had given a warning and have now started a strike to address unfair payment treatment by the Federal Government. They emphasized the non-payment of 2022 arrears and the need for immediate action.
Concerns Over Unfair Payment Treatment
The National President of SSANU, Muhammed Ibrahim, expressed concerns over the long-standing issue of salary disparities and non-payment of arrears. The strike has resulted in the withdrawal of services from crucial university departments.
Government Ignorance and Union Firmness
Despite claims of ignorance by the Minister of Education, the strike has begun as confirmed by Ibrahim in a televised interview. The unions are steadfast in their demands and criticize the lack of government outreach.
Future Actions and Demands
The unions have hinted at further action if their demands are not addressed following the warning strike. They are determined to continue their protest until the government takes necessary steps to resolve the issue.
FAQs
What led to the shutdown of Nigerian universities due to the SSANU and NASU strike?
The shutdown occurred because the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) jointly embarked on a warning strike to protest the non-payment of their withheld four-month salaries and other pending demands. The action was intended to pressure the Federal Government to address their grievances after several unmet agreements.
How long is the warning strike by SSANU and NASU expected to last?
The warning strike is scheduled to last for seven days. The unions have indicated that if the government fails to meet their demands within this period, they may consider escalating the action into a full-blown indefinite strike.
Which university services are affected during the SSANU and NASU strike?
The strike has disrupted non-academic services including administrative operations, hostel supervision, security, ICT services, and maintenance. While teaching by academic staff may continue in some cases, the absence of support services has led to widespread campus shutdowns and operational delays.
What are the key demands of SSANU and NASU in this strike?
The unions are demanding the payment of withheld salaries for their 2022 strike period, implementation of the reviewed condition of service, payment of earned allowances, and respect for collective bargaining agreements. They argue that the government’s selective payment to academic staff alone is unfair and discriminatory.
