University Workers Begin Nationwide Strike Today

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is set to launch an indefinite strike starting today, effectively halting all activities in universities across Nigeria.

Naija News reports that this action comes after the Federal Government’s failure to address the unions’ demands, which include the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 agreement.

A statement released on Sunday, signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, highlighted that the ultimatum given to the government expired at midnight on Sunday.

The statement emphasized the importance of compliance, mandating all NASU and SSANU branches in both federal and state universities, along with inter-university centers, to participate.

The government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy, introduced in 2022, led to the withholding of salaries during previous strikes by university unions.

While President Bola Tinubu directed the partial release of these salaries earlier this year, only academic staff received payment, leaving non-teaching staff excluded.

The unions argue this selective approach is unjust and have repeatedly issued ultimatums, staged protests, and held warning strikes—all of which have yet to yield results.

Today’s action follows a series of unresolved protests and ultimatums.

During a peaceful protest in July, the unions warned the government of possible shutdowns if withheld salaries were not paid.

However, despite promises and approvals for payment, including a recent assurance from President Tinubu, no funds have been disbursed.

The unions assert that members, who handle critical campus services such as water, electricity, internet, and security, are essential to university operations.

In light of this deadlock, SSANU and NASU have instructed members to hold joint congresses on campus today to discuss and launch the indefinite strike.