Nigerian universities are at a standstill as the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities launched an indefinite strike.
The strike, which began on Monday, comes after four months of withheld salaries, impacting not only staff but also university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars.
According to The PUNCH, the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, stated in an interview on Wednesday that the strike is gaining momentum across universities, with reports indicating strong compliance nationwide.
According to Ibrahim, there has been “no invitation or any form of interference from the government.”
“This strike is more than just a labor dispute; it’s a long-term battle involving senior administrators like vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars who have also gone unpaid,” Ibrahim said.
“We’ve achieved 98 percent compliance with the strike. The remaining two percent will join fully tomorrow after their congress meetings.”
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the National Association of Academic Technologists announced a nationwide protest set for November 6, with plans to picket the Ministry of Finance on November 14.
This protest is in response to five months of withheld salaries and delayed implementation of agreements, said NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma.
NAAT has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding action by November 13 or risking an indefinite strike.
“The government’s insensitivity to our demands is frustrating. Despite the President’s directive to pay the withheld salaries, the Ministry of Finance has not yet released the funds,” Nwokoma said.
Nwokoma outlined the union’s demands, which include enhanced remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of a 2009 agreement with provisions for improved student training programs and laboratory upgrades.
“The delay is unacceptable,” he said, noting that local branches are set to hold congresses to vote on an escalation of the protest if demands remain unmet.
The recent reshuffle in the Federal Ministry of Education, with Dr. Tunji Alausa expected to assume office, may bring fresh attention to the unions’ demands.
However, SSANU Vice President Abdussobur Salaam expressed disappointment at the lack of official communication from the government.
“There’s been no real progress,” Salaam said. “Informal contacts have been made, but without concrete action, we can’t accept empty promises any longer. If we don’t get the alerts, we won’t back down.”
A statement from Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi confirmed that the unions’ previous ultimatum expired Sunday at midnight. Their demands include payment of withheld salaries, improved allowances, and the government’s adherence to the 2009 agreement.
With mounting frustration, NAAT’s statement echoed the sentiment of other university unions, citing unfulfilled promises and urging the government to take “decisive action” to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar.
“The situation critically affects teaching and research activities,” Nwokoma said, stressing the impact on laboratory and practical sessions.
