The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) say they will commence an indefinite strike from Oct. 6, over the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of SSANU’s 52nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.
The communiqué was signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.
SSANU and NASU, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), expressed disappointment over what they described as the Federal Government’s continued neglect of collective bargaining agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Action (MoA).
“These agreements were reached through structured dialogue and must be honoured,” the communiqué stated.
The unions criticised the allocation of only ₦10 billion out of the ₦50 billion released for Earned Allowances to the three non-teaching unions — SSANU, NASU and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
They described the allocation as discriminatory and a breach of the 2022 MoA signed before their last industrial action was suspended.
The unions demanded the immediate release of the remaining ₦40 billion to ensure equity and fairness.
On withheld salaries, the NEC condemned the continued non-payment of two months’ salaries to members who participated in the 2022 strike.
“We urge the government to release the withheld salaries and remit all third-party deductions to demonstrate good faith,” the communiqué stated.
The union also raised concerns about worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.
It cited insecurity, banditry, and communal clashes as major threats to lives and livelihoods, saying an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians are currently facing acute food insecurity.
The NEC also noted that health facilities remain underfunded, with recurring disease outbreaks such as cholera reported in Zamfara and other states.
It expressed concern over poor infrastructure, referencing the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment and flood disasters in parts of Adamawa, Niger and Lagos states.
On education, the union said schools across all levels suffer from poor funding and outdated facilities, and called for reforms in technical and vocational training, as well as equitable support for non-teaching staff.
The NEC appealed to the Federal Government to use the window of the two-week extension granted by JAC to address the issues and prevent a disruption of the university system.
“If the government fails to act, we will be left with no option but to begin the planned industrial action,” the communiqué added.
The Universities staff has been pushed to the wall by the current administration in Nigeria. We find it very difficult to eat , to pay our children school fees to pay transport money to and fro of our workplaces, to hospital bills and also to pay our house rent as at when due.