OPINION: Why SSANU, NASU may not call off their strike action

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Adedoyin Oguntade 

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) embarked on a 7-day warning strike on Monday to compel the government to pay their withheld salaries. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of unions recently declared a strike, expressing their efforts to engage in dialogue with the Nigerian government.

The issue stems from President Bola Tinubu's decision to pay four months' worth of withheld salaries to academic university staff while neglecting non-academic staff. Previously, during former President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure, university workers faced withheld salaries due to a prolonged strike in 2022. Despite the current administration's payment of four months' salaries to ASUU members, concerns arise for SSANU, NASU, and NAAT members who are yet to receive their withheld payments. Despite SSANU and NASU's request for salary payments in line with ASUU, the government has not responded, potentially leading to further strike actions.

The warning strike, since its kickoff, has affected and disrupted academic activities in schools. Roads have been blocked, and little or no access is granted to those who want to get on campus to carry out either academic activities or other activities.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, expressed her dissatisfaction with the unions' actions, considering it a disregard for the Federal Government's efforts to address their concerns. She mentioned that the ministry was not officially informed by the unions about their plan for a seven-day warning strike. Mrs. Onyejeocha emphasized that strikes are not productive and should only be considered as a final resort after all attempts at mediation have been exhausted. She urged SSANU and NASU to soften their stance and engage in talks with the government for reconciliation.

This response might give the impression that the government is dodging the main issue, as it is already the third day of the strike with no apparent measures taken.

If this strike action is not curtailed and the bodies' demands are not met soon, it could lead to an unnecessary extension of the academic calendar. OAU's Rain Semester resumption, scheduled for this week, has been disrupted due to this strike.

Moreover, if the government could pay ASUU, it should not overlook NASU and SSANU, as neglecting them implies little or no regard for these bodies. All these bodies play vital roles in enabling academic activities in universities; therefore, sidelining any of them is detrimental and should be discouraged.

All university staff members should receive equal treatment regarding their withheld salaries, as the President promptly acted for ASUU members to promote peace and unity within the education sector. SSANU and NASU members deserve similar considerations to foster overall harmony in tertiary education.

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