The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions announced on Saturday that the Federal Government has released only one of the four months of withheld salaries. This revelation comes after university workers embarked on an indefinite strike that began on Monday, which resulted in the suspension of academic activities across universities nationwide.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation confirmed that the withheld salaries for which university workers protested have been partially addressed. However, the unions remain dissatisfied, as the release of just one month’s salary does not meet their demands for full payment of the outstanding wages. The strike, which has seen widespread compliance, has left many university operations in limbo.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, expressed concern over the situation, noting that not only the striking staff but also top university officials—including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars—have been affected by the salary delays. “This lack of payment has further impacted university operations,” he stated, emphasizing the broader implications of the financial strain on the institutions.
Ibrahim reported that about 98 percent of union members adhered to the strike, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the collective resolve of the workers. “We shall not return to work until our demands are met,” he affirmed, reflecting the determination of the unions to secure their rights.
In a conversation with our correspondent, Ibrahim confirmed the partial payment, stating, “Yes, they paid one month out of four months. We shall be meeting to appraise the situation. Not everyone has received so far.”
