The country’s educational system especially in the tertiary level seems to nose-dive to more desasterous level as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has directed its members to commence an indefinite nationwide strike starting on Monday.
The unions said the decision was driven by the government’s failure to pay four months of withheld salaries owed to their members.
JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
In a circular addressed to all branch chairmen of universities and inter-university centers, the unions conveyed their stance. The notice, jointly signed by Mr. Peters Adeyemi, NASU’s General Secretary, and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU’s President, was issued in Abuja on Sunday.
Titled “Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four Months’ Salaries,” the circular expressed the unions’ frustration over the government’s failure to act despite prior engagements.
“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 read.
The unions noted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for 50 percent of the withheld salaries to be paid, no member had received any payment.
As a result, JAC announced that the strike would officially begin at midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with union officials ensuring proper coordination.
“This is to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike. We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both unions to be on the same page,” the unions stated.
JAC also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of its members, affirming their commitment to the struggle. “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.