Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the University of Abuja continued their regular duties on Monday, despite a nationwide strike called by their national bodies.
The unions had directed their members in all public universities to embark on an indefinite strike starting October 28, 2024, to protest the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries. In a statement released on Sunday, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed their frustration, highlighting that despite multiple ultimatums, the government had failed to address their concerns. They instructed members to convene joint congresses across campuses on Monday to officially declare the strike.
At the University of Abuja, union executives were seen participating in a congress meeting in line with the national directive, yet members remained at their posts, awaiting any official announcement from their local chapter. Sources indicated that local chapters might decide to proceed with the indefinite strike after their meeting.
Dr. Habib Yakoob, the university’s Director of Public Relations, confirmed that there had been no formal strike declaration as of that moment. “As I speak, I am in my office, and staff are present and working. The SSANU branch at UniAbuja is currently holding a congress to decide on formally declaring the strike. Until they make that decision, work continues as usual,” he stated.
This development follows a prolonged standoff regarding the withheld salaries, with the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU having issued a three-week ultimatum back on September 17, 2023, demanding action from the government.
