NASU, SSANU End Warning Strike, Directs Members to Resume Work

After a week of halting operations in public universities across Nigeria, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have officially ended their warning strike.

Starting Monday, March 25, 2024, members are directed to resume their duties. This decision follows a circular issued by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, addressing branch chairmen nationwide.

The strike, which began on March 18, 2024, was a protest against the Federal Government’s withholding of salaries. It affected various university services, including registry, bursary, maintenance, security, and student affairs, leading to a complete administrative shutdown. This move was a response to perceived unfair treatment by the Federal Government, particularly in comparison to the treatment of academic staff members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In 2022, both SSANU and NASU participated in an eight-month-long strike to advocate for improved welfare among other demands. While President Bola Tinubu approved the release of part of the withheld salaries last October, the unions have continued to express dissatisfaction over what they see as discriminatory practices.

The warning strike was characterized by significant disruptions to university operations, earning criticism from Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha. However, the unions have highlighted their members’ commitment to their cause, praising their “dedication, resoluteness, and loyalty.”