Nigerian public universities shutdown as SSANU and NASU begins strike

Today marks the beginning of a seven-day nationwide warning strike by members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU). They are protesting the federal government’s alleged unfair treatment and salary disparities.

Last Monday, the unions issued a stern warning, threatening to escalate their actions if their demands were unmet by today, March 18, 2024.

Among their grievances is the non-payment of 2022 arrears to various university staff, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars.

Speaking on Channels TV this morning, Muhammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, emphasised the severity of the strike, stating, “As of today (Monday), all our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services, and nothing moves within the administration of any public university in Nigeria.”

He clarified that this stance will persist for seven days unless the government addresses their concerns.

Expressing disappointment with the lack of official communication from government representatives, Ibrahim criticised the Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, for failing to engage with the aggrieved unions despite issuing a seven-day notice last week. He contrasted this with the responsiveness of former Labour Minister Chris Ngige.

The unions’ resolve remains firm, with Ibrahim asserting that further action will be considered if the government fails to meet their demands after the seven-day warning strike.

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