Despite a nationwide strike called by their national bodies, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the University of Abuja continued their regular duties on Monday.
The unions have directed their members at all public universities to initiate an indefinite strike starting October 28, 2024, in protest of four months’ unpaid salaries.
In a statement on Sunday, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed their frustration, stating that the government has not addressed their concerns despite several ultimatums. They ordered members to hold joint congresses on campuses on Monday to officially declare the strike.
At the University of Abuja, union leaders were seen in a congress meeting following the national directive, although members remained at their posts while awaiting an official announcement from their chapter. Sources suggest that the local chapters may instruct members to proceed with the indefinite strike after their meeting.
Dr. Habib Yakoob, the university’s Director of Public Relations, confirmed that no formal strike declaration had been made. “As I speak, I am in my office, and staff are present and working. The SSANU branch at UniAbuja is currently holding a congress to decide on formally declaring the strike. Until they make that decision, work continues as usual,” he stated.
This recent action follows a prolonged standoff regarding withheld salaries. On September 17, 2023, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU issued a three-week ultimatum demanding the release of outstanding payments, warning that failure to comply would lead to industrial action. Earlier protests and warning strikes have already raised awareness of their grievances.
Peoplesmind
