Following a week of halted academic and administrative activities in Nigerian universities, members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), have been directed to return to their duties.
This development comes on the heels of a successful seven-day warning strike action, which was initiated to address grievances related to the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries as directed by President Bola Tinubu. The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) also concluded a three-day warning strike, further intensifying pressure on the government to meet their demands.
The strikes led to significant disruptions across universities, affecting examinations, shutting down university clinics, and even cutting off water supply, forcing students to seek necessities outside their campuses. However, a circular dated March 24 from the JAC leadership to all branch chairmen announced the end of the strike and the immediate resumption of work, commencing Monday. The circular, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, praised the union members for their steadfastness and commitment throughout the strike period.
Despite the return to work, the JAC has made it clear that the fight for the withheld salaries is far from over, with further issues such as the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU and SSANU Agreements and the payment of N50 billion in earned allowances still on the table. The unions have vowed to continue engaging with relevant government agencies to ensure these issues are resolved.
Simultaneously, NAAT has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to pay the withheld salaries, warning of potential actions if their demands are not met. NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma confirmed the suspension of their strike and the planned meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Education, where discussions aim to seek an amicable resolution to the ongoing disputes.
As university campuses across Nigeria buzz back to life, the eyes of many are fixed on the government’s next move, with the hopes that a lasting solution to these recurring issues can finally be achieved.
Vanguard News