The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions has revealed that the Federal Government released only one out of four months of withheld salaries, despite claims from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation that all withheld salaries had been paid.
The strike, which began on Monday, has brought university activities to a standstill nationwide, with 98% of members complying with the industrial action. SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim emphasized that top university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars, were also affected by the unpaid salaries.
*Strike Demands*
– Payment of four months withheld salaries
– Resolution of university operations impacted by unpaid salaries
According to Ibrahim, “Yes, they paid one month out of four months. We shall be meeting to appraise the situation. Not everyone has received so far.” The union has maintained that they will not return to work until their demands are met.
This development comes after President Tinubu directed the payment of four out of eight months withheld salaries for academic staff in October 2023. However, the current payment of one month’s salary falls short of the union’s expectations.
The Federal Government has invited SSANU and NASU for talks to resolve the ongoing strike. The meeting aims to address the unions’ concerns and find a solution to the prolonged industrial action.
