The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in the universities, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike from Monday over the non-payment of the four months withheld salaries.
According to the leaders of the two unions, the strike would commence on the night of October 27, 2024 (yesterday).
JAC, in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres titled “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
The circular, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.
JAC regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for 50 percent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the Minister of Finance’s alleged inaction raised questions about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
According to the circular, “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government in our cause is doubtful.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled for Wednesday, 23rd, and Thursday, 24th October 2024, at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded.
“Given this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to midnight of Sunday, October 27, 2024, to allow the branch officers of NASU to be on the ground before commencing the strike.
“We have to make this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both unions to be on the same page. We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership, and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”