Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have commenced a nationwide strike today, March 18, 2024. The strike, which comes after threats issued last week, is in protest against alleged unfair treatment and salary disparities by the Federal Government.
National President of SSANU, Muhammed Ibrahim, stated that the strike involves various university staff, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, who claim they have not received their 2022 arrears.
Despite claims by the Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, of being unaware of the planned strike, SSANU President Ibrahim confirmed its commencement during a television program. He emphasized that all services provided by the affected staff, including registry, bursary, security, and student affairs, have been withdrawn, effectively halting administrative activities in public universities across Nigeria.
The unions have given a seven-day warning strike, during which they expect the government to address their grievances. Failure to do so may lead to further actions, as stated by Ibrahim, who criticized the government’s lack of responsiveness to their demands.
As the strike takes effect, students and academic activities in Nigerian universities are expected to face disruptions until a resolution is reached between the government and the striking unions.
