SSANU and NASU Demand Payment of Withheld Salaries, Strike Impacts Universities Nationwide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has called on the Federal Government to urgently pay the four months’ withheld salaries of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational Associated Institutions (NASU). This call comes in response to the seven-day warning strike initiated by SSANU and NASU, resulting in the suspension of activities across universities in the country.

SSANU and NASU have been consistently petitioning the government for over a month, highlighting their exclusion from the payment of withheld salaries, which were released to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in February. The salaries were withheld as a result of the ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ implemented by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari during the eight-month ASUU strike in 2022 and the four-month SSANU strike in the same year.

In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, he expressed solidarity with SSANU and NASU, demanding immediate payment of the withheld salaries. Ajaero emphasized that there has been no valid reason or explanation for withholding the salaries, which has caused immense hardship for the affected staff members. He also highlighted the need for equal treatment of all union members, stating that discriminatory actions could lead to further industrial disputes. Ajaero urged the government to prioritize the payment of outstanding salaries and to recognize the maturity of the unions involved.

SSANU National President, Muhammed Ibrahim, revealed that the strike has been highly successful, with approximately 90% compliance from members. Ibrahim expressed the anger and dissatisfaction of the union members, emphasizing that the government’s failure to pay their salaries demonstrates a lack of regard for their importance and the role they play in the education sector. He warned that neglecting the needs of non-teaching staff could lead to dire consequences, such as inadequate facilities and compromised security on university campuses.

The impact of the strike was felt across various states, with universities experiencing a complete shutdown of activities. At the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, the NASU Chairman, Mr. Zuberu Ibrahim, confirmed the total compliance of union members with the strike directive. Similar scenes were witnessed at the University of Jos in Plateau State, where SSANU and NASU members paralyzed activities on campus. The Joseph Sawuan Tarka University in MakurdiTitle: SSANU and NASU Demand Payment of Withheld Salaries, Strike Impacts Universities Nationwide

Date: 19th March 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has called on the Federal Government to urgently pay the four months’ withheld salaries of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational Associated Institutions (NASU). This call comes in response to the seven-day warning strike initiated by SSANU and NASU, resulting in the suspension of activities across universities in the country.

SSANU and NASU have been consistently petitioning the government for over a month, highlighting their exclusion from the payment of withheld salaries, which were released to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in February. The salaries were withheld as a result of the ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ implemented by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari during the eight-month ASUU strike in 2022 and the four-month SSANU strike in the same year.

In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, he expressed solidarity with SSANU and NASU, demanding immediate payment of the withheld salaries. Ajaero emphasized that there has been no valid reason or explanation for withholding the salaries, which has caused immense hardship for the affected staff members. He also highlighted the need for equal treatment of all union members, stating that discriminatory actions could lead to further industrial disputes. Ajaero urged the government to prioritize the payment of outstanding salaries and to recognize the maturity of the unions involved.

SSANU National President, Muhammed Ibrahim, revealed that the strike has been highly successful, with approximately 90% compliance from members. Ibrahim expressed the anger and dissatisfaction of the union members, emphasizing that the government’s failure to pay their salaries demonstrates a lack of regard for their importance and the role they play in the education sector. He warned that neglecting the needs of non-teaching staff could lead to dire consequences, such as inadequate facilities and compromised security on university campuses.

The impact of the strike was felt across various states, with universities experiencing a complete shutdown of activities. At the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, the NASU Chairman, Mr. Zuberu Ibrahim, confirmed the total compliance of union members with the strike directive. Similar scenes were witnessed at the University of Jos in Plateau State, where SSANU and NASU members paralyzed activities on campus. The Joseph Sawuan Tarka University in Makurdi