Federal universities across Nigeria were shut down on Monday by non-academic staff unions, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU), in protest of unpaid salaries.
The strike, declared indefinite, affects over 2.1 million students, according to National Universities Commission (NUC) figures.
Comrade Olugbenga Adenaiya, SSANU Branch Chairman at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), stated:
“This morning, we held a congress where our members decided to follow the national leadership’s directive. The strike will be total and indefinite. We cannot be treated like slaves in our country. We suspended our strike earlier this year after the government promised to pay our withheld salaries, but this has not happened. All offices and essential services provided by SSANU and NASU members have been put on hold until further notice.”
At the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Comrade Felix Adubi, SSANU Chairman, emphasized:
“We held our congress today and resolved to go on strike as directed by our national body. The government cannot claim we have not been patient enough. We went on strike alongside teaching staff, yet they have paid some of their withheld salaries while ignoring ours. What is fair for the goose is fair for the gander. We won’t back down until our demands are met. The government has yet to address issues raised in our previous interactions.”
University of Abuja staff were still working on Monday, awaiting the outcome of a congress meeting. The university’s Director of Public Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, confirmed:
“As I speak, staff are in their offices. Today, the University of Abuja SSANU branch will hold a congress to formally declare the strike.”
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, noted:
“Our branches have started holding joint congresses with NASU members nationwide. From Tuesday, the impact of the strike will be felt.”
A University of Ilorin source stated:
“The national leadership directed us to hold a joint congress starting Monday to decide on the issue. We will join the strike on Tuesday.”
A University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) lecturer added:
“The strike is about unpaid salaries, and I doubt any branch will opt out. Things will be clearer by Tuesday.”
The federal government expressed disappointment at the strike, citing its commitment to addressing the unions’ challenges. Director of Press and Public Affairs, Folasade Boriowo, stated:
“We are disappointed with the unions’ action, especially since we set up a committee last week to address their issues. We expected cooperation to resolve their grievances once and for all.”