University Unions Issue Final Three-Week Ultimatum Over Unpaid Salaries, Threaten Indefinite Strike

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has issued a final three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening an indefinite strike if their four months’ withheld salaries are not paid.

The unions, in a joint statement signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to honor previous agreements and salary commitments. This includes the non-payment of four months’ salaries, which were withheld following the unions’ participation in a prolonged strike in 2022.

Despite a 10-day grace period that expired on July 26, 2024, and further discussions between the unions and government representatives, the salaries remain unpaid.

In the statement, the unions stressed that the delay continues even after President Bola Tinubu reportedly approved the payment during the National Minimum Wage meeting on July 18, 2024.

“It is in light of the above that we inform the government of the decision of the National JAC of NASU and SSANU… that the government is given a final three-week ultimatum from Tuesday, 17th September 2024, to pay the four months’ withheld salaries and implement the agreement reached on 20th August 2022. Failing this, our members may be forced to embark on indefinite strike action at the expiration of the ultimatum,” Ibrahim said.

The unions are also calling for improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 agreements between the government and university staff. With the ultimatum in place, the threat of another major disruption looms over Nigeria’s universities if the demands are not met.

As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the government to address the situation and avert a strike that could further impact the nation’s already fragile higher education system.