Varsity Unions Set For Nationwide Protest Over Unmet Demands
By ANITA KNIGHT
TENSION is rising across Nigerian universities as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) prepare for a massive nationwide protest on Thursday, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting their welfare and breaching multiple agreements.
The planned demonstration, coordinated under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions, follows what the unions described as the government’s “consistent failure” to address long-pending issues, despite repeated ultimatums and meetings with the Ministry of Education.
In a circular jointly signed by SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the unions directed all branches to hold joint congresses on Wednesday to mobilise members for the protest, which will feature campus rallies, placard demonstrations, and press briefings nationwide.
Among the grievances listed are:
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Unfair distribution of the ₦50 billion earned allowances,
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Delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreement,
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Non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries,
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Outstanding arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increments, and
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The government’s failure to remit third-party deductions since May and June 2022.
The unions said that after the expiration of their final ultimatum on 6 October, and with “little progress” recorded at recent meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee with the Ministry of Education, they had no choice but to proceed with industrial action.
“All members in both federal and state universities are expected to participate fully,” the statement read. “This protest is not just about salaries; it is about respect for agreements and the dignity of university workers.”
The one-day protest is expected to paralyse non-academic operations across campuses, with JAC warning that further industrial action could follow if the government fails to act promptly.
