SSANU, NASU to begin 7-day warning strike on March 18 over 4 months withheld salaries

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has announced its intention to initiate a seven-day warning strike starting March 18. The decision stems from the Federal Government’s failure to disburse salaries withheld from members for the past four months.

President Bola Tinubu had instructed compensation for public university workers who participated in a prolonged strike in 2022 but were left unpaid by the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari. While the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) received payment from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation as per the president’s directive, the three unions representing non-teaching staff are still awaiting their dues.

Expressing frustration over the government’s delay in fulfilling its obligations, SSANU approved the strike action during their 47th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, emphasized the injustice faced by members, stressing the lack of justification for differential treatment. He outlined the planned strike’s impact, including disruptions to essential services like water, electricity, medical facilities, and office work for the duration of seven days.

While hopeful for a resolution, Ibrahim reiterated the union’s commitment to its members’ welfare and the broader university community. He called upon the government to heed their demands promptly, warning of widespread campus disruptions if the outstanding payments are not made promptly.