NASU (Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions) and SSANU (Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities) have reportedly suspended their nationwide strike over withheld salaries. This decision, effective November 5, 2024, allows university workers affiliated with these unions to return to work following months of disruptions due to unpaid wages.
Details of the Suspension
According to reports, a circular was sent out by NASU and SSANU leadership to all union branches, instructing members to resume work as of the specified date. This comes after several months of halted operations across universities, where non-academic staff had been protesting the Federal Government's withholding of four months of salaries.
NAAT Continues Salary Protest
Meanwhile, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has not followed suit with NASU and SSANU. Instead, NAAT is moving forward with plans for a nationwide protest, citing incomplete salary payments. Reports indicate that NAAT members received only partial payment, covering one of the three months of withheld salaries expected. As a result, NAAT has issued a two-week ultimatum starting October 30, 2024. If outstanding payments are not settled by November 13, 2024, NAAT intends to protest and picket the Federal Ministry of Finance.
In Summary
The suspension of NASU and SSANU's strike is a positive step toward restoring normal operations within Nigerian universities. However, NAAT's continued protest plans signal ongoing dissatisfaction among educational staff regarding salary disputes. As deadlines approach, the focus remains on whether the government and unions can reach a full resolution to these payment issues.
