The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities, has instructed its members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike from midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
The strike will include members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
The decision to strike stems from the government’s failure to pay four months’ worth of withheld salaries.
JAC in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
The circular which was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page.
JAC regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 percent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised question about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
“We acknowledge the commitment of our members,” JAC stated in a circular, “and we are determined to continue this struggle until our demands are fully met.”