The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, October 28, 2024. This decision follows the federal government's withholding of four months' worth of salaries, impacting non-teaching staff across Nigerian universities.
Why SSANU and NASU Are On Strike
The core issue at the heart of this strike is the federal government's failure to release four months of withheld salaries for university staff. SSANU and NASU leadership have stated that this indefinite strike will continue until these salary payments are resolved.
In response to the salary delays, representatives from both SSANU and NASU highlighted the hardship faced by university employees. With salaries suspended, non-teaching staff are struggling financially, affecting their ability to meet daily expenses and maintain productivity.
Impact of the Nationwide Strike on Nigerian Universities
The indefinite strike is expected to have a broad impact on university operations, particularly in areas managed by non-teaching staff, including administrative duties, library services, maintenance, and security.
1. Services on Campus
- With the absence of non-teaching staff, routine campus activities are likely to be disrupted. This may affect registration processes, access to libraries, administrative support, and more.
2. Students and Academic Staff
- Although teaching may continue as usual, students and academic staff will still feel the effects, especially in areas requiring administrative support. Students could face delays in accessing essential services, such as exam processing and certificate issuance.
Background: Previous Demands and Strike Actions
This latest strike action isn't the first for SSANU and NASU in their efforts to secure fair wages and improve working conditions. Both unions have previously organised strikes to address salary issues, unpaid allowances, and general welfare conditions. The four-month salary withholding incident is seen as part of a larger, ongoing issue regarding funding and staff welfare in Nigerian higher education.
What's Next for Students and Staff
For now, there is no set timeline for when the strike may end, as union leaders are determined to hold out until the government fulfils its commitment to pay the outstanding salaries. Students and staff members are advised to stay informed about developments from official sources, as updates may impact campus operations and timelines for resuming regular activities.
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