Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have commenced a nationwide strike today (Monday) over alleged unfair treatment and salary disparities by the Federal Government, Punch reports.
Last Monday, the unions issued a threat to shut down hostels and power supply in universities nationwide if their demands were not met by March 18, 2024.
SSANU’s National President, Muhammed Ibrahim, revealed that his members, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, have not received their 2022 arrears.
Despite the unions’ warnings, Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, claimed ignorance of the planned strike. However, SSANU’s Ibrahim confirmed the strike’s commencement during a Channels Television programme.
“All our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services,” Ibrahim stated, emphasizing that the strike will persist for seven days unless their demands are met.
Expressing dissatisfaction with government representatives’ response, Ibrahim criticized the lack of official communication from Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, despite issuing a seven-day notice last Monday.
The unions have vowed to escalate actions if their demands are not addressed after the seven-day warning strike.