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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 with their regular duties on Monday, despite a nationwide strike called by their national bodies.
The unions had directed members in all public universities to embark on an indefinite strike starting October 28, 2024, to protest the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.
In a statement on Sunday, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed frustration, noting that despite multiple ultimatums, the government had not addressed their concerns. The national unions ordered members to convene joint congresses across campuses on Monday to officially declare the strike.
At the University of Abuja, union executives were seen in a congress meeting in alignment with the national directive, though members remained at their posts pending any official announcement from their chapter. Sources indicated that the local chapters may direct members to proceed with the indefinite strike after their meeting.
When contacted, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the university’s Director of Public Relations, confirmed the lack of a formal strike declaration. “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 explained.
The unions’ recent move follows a long standoff over withheld salaries. On September 17, 2023, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU had issued a three-week ultimatum demanding the release of outstanding pay or risk an industrial action, with earlier protests and warning strikes raising awareness of their grievances.
Peoplesmind
