The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a one-month suspension of the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike over withheld salaries.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the unions confirmed that the suspension would take effect from Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
The statement was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU.
The strike initially began on Monday, 28th October 2024, due to what the unions described as the “government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands.”
The statement reads, “The National leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU acknowledges and commends our members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres for their unwavering resolve, unrelenting determination, and steadfast support during the ongoing strike action.
“You will recall that the ongoing strike, which we were forced into, commenced on Monday, 28th October 2024, in response to the Government’s indifference to the concerns of our members regarding our legitimate demands.
“Throughout this industrial action, we have held extensive and exhaustive discussions with officials of the Federal Government, including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the leadership of the Department of State Services.
“These high-level discussions resulted in an irrevocable commitment from the Federal Government to pay two of the four months’ withheld salaries in a staggered manner—one month by the end of October 2024 (which has largely been fulfilled) and the second month by the end of November 2024.
“In light of the above and given the commitment shown by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the JAC leadership, after various consultations and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one month, effective Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
“Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are directed to convene a joint Congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 4th November 2024, to inform members of these developments and encourage them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
“We wish to reiterate that discussions regarding the remaining two months’ salaries, the N50 billion in Earned Allowances, arrears of 25/35 per cent, and the Wage Award have been reopened and are under deliberation.
“Thank you for your usual understanding and cooperation in this regard. We deeply appreciate your total commitment and steadfastness during this struggle.”