By Grace Edema
October 31, 2024
The Federal Government has called a meeting with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (SSANU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (NASU) to discuss the ongoing strike. The meeting is scheduled for today at 11 a.m. and will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education.
SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam confirmed that the union received the official invitation on Wednesday night. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that university activities nationwide have come to a halt due to the strike, which began on Monday in response to four months of unpaid salaries.
SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim highlighted the broader impact of the strike, noting that many senior university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars, have also not received their salaries. This has further exacerbated the situation within universities.
Ibrahim reported a remarkable 98% compliance rate among union members, asserting that they will not resume work until their demands are addressed. He characterized the strike as a long-term struggle, emphasizing that it involves multiple levels of university administration affected by the payment issues.
The unions are demanding the payment of withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of agreements made with the government in 2009. As the situation develops, both the unions and the government are under pressure to reach a resolution.