Strike Actions Halt Universities: FG Invites Unions To Discuss No Work, No Pay Issue

Strike Actions Halt Universities: FG Invites Unions To Discuss No Work, No Pay Issue
On Monday, federal universities nationwide were closed in response to an indefinite strike initiated by the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). The two unions announced the strike on Sunday night, demanding the Federal Government pay four months of withheld salaries.
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In a statement released to The PUNCH and signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the unions noted that the ultimatum for payment had expired at midnight on Sunday. Their demands include the release of the withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of a 2009 agreement with the government.

The Federal Government had previously invoked the “No Work, No Pay” policy through the Ministry of Labour and Employment during the prolonged strike by university-based unions in 2022. Last October, President Bola Tinubu ordered the payment of four of the eight months’ salaries owed to academic staff, which was eventually disbursed in February. However, the directive did not extend to non-teaching staff, leading to allegations of selective treatment.

Following the strike declaration, the Federal Ministry of Education contacted the university workers’ unions. Ibrahim confirmed to our correspondent in Abuja that he received a call from the Minister of State for Education requesting a meeting, though it was not formally communicated. “The meeting was requested for today in Abuja, but I couldn’t attend because I’m not based there,” he explained.

On Monday, compliance with the strike was noticeable, especially at the University of Lagos, which was on holiday. Despite the break, SSANU and NASU members continued to follow the strike order. At Obafemi Awolowo University, SSANU branch chairman Mr. K.T. Fashola reported about 55 percent compliance, attributing it to previously scheduled events.

Mr. Felix Adunbi, chairman of SSANU at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, stated that their members were instructed to return home until the government takes action. “NASU directed its members to stay home since last night, while SSANU convened a congress this morning to communicate the national directive,” he said.

Adunbi emphasized the urgency for the government to act, citing past approvals by the President for necessary funds that had yet to be released. He expressed frustration over the continued withholding of payments by the Ministry of Finance, urging prompt action to resolve the situation.

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