The ongoing crisis within Nigeria’s university system has intensified, with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) insisting that their indefinite strike will not end until all outstanding salaries are paid.
SSANU’s president, Mohammed Ibrahim, relayed this position during an interview on Channels TV, clarifying that the strike will only be suspended when union members receive payment alerts for their overdue salaries.
SSANU’s indefinite strike, which began Sunday night, is in response to the non-payment of four months’ worth of salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU). Ibrahim explained that while meetings with relevant ministers were arranged, the primary issue is ensuring the payment of salary backlogs.
Efforts to engage with the Minister of Finance have reportedly gone unanswered, Ibrahim said, adding, “Today’s strike didn’t come out of nowhere. Our members made demands known to the government well in advance, and officials are fully aware of this issue.” He continued, “Former Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, reached out on Sunday and again Monday, representing the current administration, and we have a meeting scheduled this week. But it’s not just about talks; we need payment to resolve this issue.”
Ibrahim emphasized that with all necessary procedures already completed, a prompt directive could ensure payment. “If the government acts, we can consult our principal within 24 hours and suspend the strike,” he stated. When asked if payment alerts were the union’s sole condition for resuming work, he confirmed, “Exactly. Without payment alerts, the strike will continue.”
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also hinted at a possible strike.
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