The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) reiterated its stance, affirming that the union remains resolute in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike due to unaddressed demands from the Federal Government.
Mohammed Ibrahim, the President of SSANU, conveyed this message during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
The association warned of potential hostel closures and disruptions to power supply in universities nationwide if the Federal Government does not address its demands by the upcoming Monday, March 18, 2024.
According to Ibrahim, members of SSANU, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, have yet to receive their 2022 arrears.
Ibrahim stated, “To surprise you, even Vice Chancellors are involved in this because VCs have not been paid, registrars have not been paid, bursars have not been paid.”
He said there are some universities that are currently holding their semesters’ association but “it’s quite unfortunate that we have to take this painful decision. Some of us also have out children in these schools but when we strike, everything is grounded”.
“Shutting down the university is clearly beyond how it will affect the students because it’s everybody; there will be no electricity, there will be no water, there will be no security, there will be no hostels for students, and there will be no administration,” he said.
The SSANU President criticized the Federal Government’s decision to release withheld salaries solely to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), overlooking other unions such as SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
Ibrahim expressed frustration over the failure of all communication channels, necessitating the planned action. He emphasized that SSANU would initiate industrial action if there is no resolution by the following Monday.
He alleged mistreatment by the Office of the Accountant General, facilitated through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) office, towards SSANU and NASU. This, despite the President’s granting of waivers ensuring that all unions engaging in industrial action in 2022 would be compensated.
Ibrahim blamed the crisis on what he called a misplacement of priority, saying that the university is a chain and “you don’t treat a group different and others indifferently.”
The unions initiated an eight-month strike in 2022 to advocate for improved welfare conditions.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration responded by implementing a ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ against the unions.
However, President Bola Tinubu, in October, authorized the release of four months’ worth of withheld salaries for ASUU members.
Earlier on Monday, SSANU and NASU announced a seven-day warning strike, set to commence on March 18, 2024, demanding payment for four months of their members’ withheld salaries.