The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities, has officially announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Monday.
This decision comes in response to the ongoing issue of unpaid salaries, with four months’ wages still withheld from its members.
The JAC, which includes the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), communicated this directive in a circular sent to all branch chairmen across universities and inter-university centers.
In the circular, jointly signed by Mr. Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, the committee expressed disappointment over the lack of payment, despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the release of 50% of the withheld salaries.
“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt,” the circular stated.
The communication emphasized that, despite the government’s assurances, none of the members had received any payments. Consequently, the JAC’s leadership determined that the strike would officially begin at midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024, allowing sufficient time for NASU Branch Officers to prepare for the action.
“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership, and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured,” it concluded.
