The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has officially commenced a nationwide strike in response to the Federal Government’s failure to pay members’ withheld salaries. The announcement was made by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, during an appearance on Channels Television’s News Track programme on Monday. This action comes after the association exhausted all possible avenues to address the longstanding issue of salary arrears.
Ibrahim expressed the deep frustration among union members, stating they have been “pushed to the wall.” He emphasized that the strike was a last resort after various efforts to engage with the government yielded no results. “We have made several efforts to engage with the government to resolve the situation,” he said, indicating that the unions had been patient for too long.
Among the demands of the Joint Action Committee, which includes SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, are the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, and the implementation of agreements made with the government in 2009. The president highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the strike has resulted in a complete halt of activities across Nigerian universities.
Ibrahim recounted the series of actions taken by the unions prior to the strike. “In July, specifically on the 17th, we held multiple protests in Abuja,” he noted, mentioning that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had also escalated the matter to the presidency. The president had reportedly directed that 50 percent of the withheld salaries be paid, but three months later, that promise has yet to be fulfilled.
The SSANU president further criticized the government’s inaction despite numerous discussions with ministers of education. “We have held numerous discussions with the ministers of education, who assured us of payment, yet the promise remains elusive,” he explained. This failure to deliver on commitments has compelled the union to take drastic action.
The strike affects various university operations, with activities in the bursary, registry, works and maintenance, security, and student affairs all put on hold until the salaries are paid. Ibrahim emphasized that the leadership of SSANU and NASU would meet to discuss the next steps, indicating that the strike is part of a broader strategy to compel the government to act.
Looking ahead, Ibrahim indicated a potential path to resolution. “Once these payments are made today, since payments are done by electronic transfer, we will call off the strike,” he affirmed. The SSANU leadership remains hopeful that ongoing discussions with government officials will lead to a resolution, allowing them to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
