SSANU President Speaks Out: Striking For Change Amid Nationwide Action

SSANU President Speaks Out: Striking For Change Amid Nationwide ActionThe Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have initiated an indefinite nationwide strike across public universities in Nigeria. The announcement was made by SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s News Track.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ibrahim explained that the decision to strike was a “last resort” due to the government’s repeated failure to address the unions’ grievances despite numerous negotiations. He stressed that the members felt “pushed to the wall,” prompting this decisive action.

The primary issue driving the strike is the demand for the immediate release of four months’ worth of withheld salaries for union members. Ibrahim stated, “We have made several efforts to engage with the government to resolve the situation. Even before the extension we made on the 23rd, there were several extensions given. Recall that this is not a new issue.”

He highlighted past protests, including one on July 17 in Abuja, where the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) intervened to bring the matter to the president’s attention during discussions on the new minimum wage. At that meeting, the president reportedly directed that 50% of the owed salaries be paid. However, three months later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

Despite multiple discussions with education ministers, including assurances of payment, Ibrahim lamented that the promises have not materialized. He noted that the newly appointed minister of education had reached out for discussions, but the unions will continue the strike until their demands are met.

“For now, we have been pushed to the wall because we have exhausted all avenues for resolution, including urging our members to be patient,” he said. “Our members have met in various branches, and strikes have commenced. All departments related to the bursary, registry, works and maintenance, security, and student affairs will be suspended until payments are made.”

Ibrahim mentioned that previous overtures from the former education minister were made, and even a recent attempt by the new minister to arrange a meeting was noted. However, he emphasized that the strike process must proceed, and the leadership of SSANU and NASU will need to convene.

He concluded, “Currently, none of us is in Abuja, and we are trying to see how we can meet. But the truth is that once these payments are made today, as the payment is processed electronically, we will call off the strike

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