SSANU, NASU On Brink Of Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

SSANU, NASU On Brink Of Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued a stern warning of potential industrial unrest looming over Nigerian universities due to the government’s failure to release withheld salaries.

In a joint declaration released on Friday, SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed deep discontent over the government’s decision to disburse four months’ worth of withheld salaries exclusively to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while neglecting non-academic staff.

Questioning the fairness of this selective payment, the unions raised concerns about the disparity in treatment and the perceived marginalization of non-teaching staff within the university system.

The statement emphasized that continued withholding of salaries owed to their members could jeopardize industrial harmony within universities, potentially leading to widespread disruptions in academic activities.

This announcement comes after the unions previously conveyed their grievances through protest letters addressed to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, on February 13, 2024.

Expressing disappointment with the government’s silence and inaction in response to their letters, the unions reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace but warned that their patience is wearing thin.

“We have done everything possible within our ambit to prevail on our members to maintain industrial peace and tranquillity. However, the pressure on us has intensified,” the letter stated.

The unions urged the Federal Government to address the issue within the next seven days to avert a potential crisis, cautioning that failure to do so could prompt them to take further lawful and stringent actions.

As tensions escalate, the fate of academic operations in Nigerian universities hangs in the balance, contingent upon the government’s response to the pressing demands of SSANU and NASU.