University staff in Nigeria, represented by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), have announced plans for a national protest. This decision follows unsuccessful meetings with government officials.
These unions, collaborating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), released a circular signed by NASU’s General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU’s President, Mohammed Ibrahim. The circular mandates all local branches to conduct a general meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, to inform members about the government’s neglect of their concerns.
The unions’ decision stems from the federal government’s failure to address unresolved issues, despite numerous discussions with the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour. The circular stated, “The National body of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU met on Thursday, July 4, 2024, to evaluate the situation regarding the withheld four months’ salaries and other grievances of our members in University and Inter-University Centres.”
It continued, “Similarly, the National JAC, upon invitation, met with the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, other top ministry officials, and representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“Regrettably, the discussions with the Minister of Education did not yield any firm commitment on releasing the withheld salaries or resolving other pending issues concerning JAC. It is also disappointing that during a visit to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Minister of State was unavailable due to an urgent call from the villa. The Permanent Secretary, who stood in for her, could not make any commitments on the raised issues. Given this letdown and the government’s inaction on NASU and SSANU’s grievances, JAC has resolved to initiate a series of industrial actions, including:
“All NASU and SSANU branches are to hold a mandatory general meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, to brief members on the government’s insensitivity to our plights. A one-day protest will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at each branch simultaneously. Each branch must ensure full participation from all members and adequate media coverage.
“A national protest is scheduled to take place in Abuja on Thursday, July 18, 2024, after which JAC will convene to announce the commencement date for the strike action. Further information will be provided as necessary. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”