SSANU President Speaks Amidst Nationwide Strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike across public universities.

The announcement was made by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, during his appearance on Channels Television’s News Track on Monday.

Ibrahim stated that the decision to strike was a “last resort,” driven by the failure of multiple negotiations with government officials to address the unions’ grievances.

He emphasized that the members of SSANU and NASU felt “pushed to the wall,” leading to this drastic measure.

The primary demand fueling the strike is the immediate release of four months’ worth of salaries withheld from the unions’ members.

He said, “We have made several efforts to engage with the government to resolve the situation.

“Even before the extension we made on the 23rd, there were several extensions given. Recall that this is not a new issue.

“In July, precisely on the 17th, we had several protests in Abuja. Thereafter, NLC took over the matter to the president when they discussed the new minimum wage. It was at that meeting that the president gave the directive that 50 per cent of the four months be paid, which is four months. But three months later, the promise has remained elusive.

“We have had several discussions with the ministers of education, and they assured us but, the promise remains elusive.”

He added that although the newly appointed minister of education had reached out to him for discussion, members of the groups would not back down from the strike until payments were made.

“So for now, we have been pushed to the wall because we have exhausted all avenues of resolving the issue, including asking our members to be patient.

“So, our members have met in different branches and strikes have commenced. Going forward, all departments in the bursary, registry, works and maintenance security and student affairs have been put on hold until payments are made.

“Several overtures were made by the previous minister of education. And even this morning, I received a call from the minister-designate, making an effort that we meet. But the strike is a process, and the leadership of SSANU and NASU will have to meet.

“Currently, none of us is in Abuja, and we are trying to see how we can meet. But the truth is that, once these payments are made today because the payment is by electronic transfer, we will call off the strike,” he said.