Nationwide strike by Nigerian university workers put on hold for one month. Learn what this means for students and education in Nigeria.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have chosen to temporarily pause their nationwide strike concerning unpaid salaries for one month.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the unions announced that the suspension will take effect beginning Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The statement was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, the General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU.
The strike commenced on Monday, October 28, 2024. The unions pointed to the “government’s insensitivity towards the struggles of our members regarding our legitimate demands” as their reason for action.
The statement further expressed, “The national leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU recognizes and appreciates our members in universities and inter-university centers for their unwavering commitment, relentless determination, and steadfast support during the ongoing strike action.”
The statement further elaborated that the unions had participated in “extensive and exhaustive deliberations” with key officials, including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, and leaders from the Department of State Services.
The statement outlined that these significant engagements resulted in a firm promise from the Federal Government to pay two months of the withheld four-month salaries incrementally—one month by the end of October 2024 and another by the end of November 2024.
After numerous consultations and what it termed “patriotic considerations,” the leadership of JAC has decided to pause the strike for one month. The statement also instructed branch leaders to organize a joint Congress on each campus on Monday, November 4, 2024, in order to inform members and urge them to resume work by Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The statement also highlighted that talks are still in progress concerning unresolved matters, such as the remaining withheld salaries, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and the Wage Award.
The unions concluded by expressing gratitude for the members’ “unwavering dedication and determination” throughout the struggle.
Peoplesmind
