University staff across Nigeria are on the brink of an indefinite strike, following a renewed ultimatum issued by the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). The unions are calling for the payment of four months’ withheld salaries and the fulfilment of other key demands, including improved remuneration and the implementation of a long-standing 2009 agreement with the government.
In a joint statement signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, the unions warned that unless the government takes action within three weeks, they will shut down universities and inter-university centres across the country.
The unions’ grievances date back to 2022, when the government invoked the “No Work, No Pay” policy after university-based unions embarked on a prolonged strike. Despite a 10-day grace period expiring on July 26, 2024, the government has yet to honour its commitment to pay the withheld wages. The unions now claim that, despite assurances from President Bola Tinubu, relevant officials have failed to implement the promised payments.
“We have it on good authority that Mr. President has given approval for the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries as far back as July 18, 2024, during a meeting with the leadership of NLC and TUC,” the unions said. “Regrettably, nothing has been forthcoming despite all the approvals.”
As tensions rise, the unions are holding firm in their demands, warning that failure to meet the latest ultimatum will lead to a nationwide strike, further disrupting Nigeria’s already beleaguered higher education sector.
