The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing both the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), is set to hold a crucial meeting today (Thursday) with officials of the Federal Government to address the ongoing indefinite strike, which has disrupted university operations nationwide.
SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning to PUNCH Online that the union had received an official invitation from the government on Wednesday evening. According to Salaam, “We received a formal invitation last night. The meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. today. It will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education and will be held in the Minister’s Conference Room.”
The JAC unions, representing a large body of non-academic staff members within Nigerian universities, began an indefinite strike on Monday to protest unpaid salaries. According to union representatives, their members have not received salaries for over four months, creating severe financial strain and affecting their ability to perform duties essential to university operations. The union leaders emphasized that the lack of payments has impacted not only rank-and-file members but also high-ranking university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars.
SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim described the strike as “a long-term battle,” noting that it is “not just about NASU and SSANU members but includes senior university officials who were also not paid.” He added, “The impact of this situation is significant, and so far, no government representatives had reached out to address these issues with us prior to this invitation.” He further stated that “our members have withdrawn their services and are determined not to resume work until every member receives their outstanding salaries.”
In addition to salary arrears, the unions have a broader set of demands that include improved overall remuneration, the payment of earned allowances, and the implementation of long-standing agreements with the government that date back to 2009. The strike has seen overwhelming participation, with 98% of union members joining the action across the country.
The meeting today is anticipated to address these demands and possibly outline steps toward resolving the crisis, which has already had considerable repercussions on university operations and the larger Nigerian educational sector.