The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have jointly declared a seven-day cautionary strike slated to commence on March 18, 2024. This resolution arises from the unions’ demand for the disbursement of four months’ worth of withheld wages for their members following the nationwide strike in 2022. The agreement was forged after a gathering convened in Akure over the past weekend.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the president of SSANU, conveyed the unions’ resolution during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday. He stressed that the cautionary strike represents a final recourse subsequent to fruitless endeavors to secure the payment of the withheld wages through protest missives and other forms of correspondence with the Federal Government.
The joint action committee of SSANU and NASU voiced discontent with the Federal Government’s reaction to their grievances and cautioned of further measures if no affirmative actions are taken to expeditiously address the matter. The unions affirmed their preparedness to explore lawful and stringent avenues to advocate for their demands.
The decision of the unions to embark on a cautionary strike surfaces amidst allegations of the Federal Government’s disregard for the welfare of their members. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for the disbursement of withheld wages, SSANU and NASU assert that their members are yet to receive recompense for the duration of the 2022 strike.
The unions underscored the pivotal role played by non-teaching personnel in the operations of universities, accentuating their significant contributions to the management and functionality of academic institutions. They deplored the perceived neglect and contempt exhibited towards their members by the government, emphasizing the importance of addressing their grievances to foster a conducive work milieu.
SSANU and NASU affirmed their dedication to preserving industrial harmony and stability within university campuses. However, they underscored that the failure to redress their members’ concerns regarding wage disbursement could imperil the prevailing accord and precipitate further disruptions in academic undertakings.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s endeavors in addressing the apprehensions of academic staff, the unions reiterated the imperative of extending analogous considerations to non-teaching personnel. They emphasized the significance of equitable treatment and just remuneration for all university staff to nurture a harmonious and productive work environment.
In anticipation of the imminent cautionary strike, SSANU and NASU implored the Federal Government to prioritize the resolution of their grievances to forestall potential interruptions in university operations. They urged prompt action to ensure the timely disbursement of withheld wages and manifest genuine commitment to addressing the welfare apprehensions of non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities.
