CurrentReport Blog In a dramatic turn of events that could further destabilize Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government. Following an unresolved dispute over withheld salaries dating back to 2022, SSANU has threatened to resume industrial action starting July 4th, 2024. This potential strike underscores a growing tension in the university system fueled by allegations of preferential treatment and systemic insensitivity by the government.
The Root of the Conflict: Withheld Salaries
The contentious issue dates back to the prolonged strike of 2022, during which SSANU, alongside the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions, protested against the Federal Government’s failure to honor a Collective Bargaining Agreement. As a punitive measure, the government withheld salaries for four months. However, SSANU and its sister union, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), allege that while ASUU has since been compensated, their members have not received the withheld payments.
This perceived inequity was a focal point at SSANU’s 48th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Benin last weekend. The union leaders expressed deep frustration over what they described as a “divide and rule” policy, accusing the government of fostering division among university unions by favoring one over others.
SSANU’s Ultimatum and Impending Strike
In a bid to address this injustice, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of the outstanding four months’ salaries. This ultimatum expires on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. SSANU has made it clear that failure to meet this deadline will result in a fresh wave of strikes, potentially plunging the already fragile university system into chaos.
In a communique released after the NEC meeting, SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim condemned the government’s approach, stating, “NEC in session once again expresses utmost dismay at the unprecedented level of Government’s insensitivity and deliberate resolve to cause chaos in the university system by adopting the divide and rule policy to set unions on a collision course through preferential treatment of one union over others.”
Broader Challenges in the Tertiary Education Sector
The discontent extends beyond the issue of withheld salaries. The government’s recent cessation of a N35,000 wage award—meant to alleviate the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal—has further exacerbated tensions. SSANU criticized the inadequacy of the wage award and highlighted the delay in payments in federal and state universities. “Many states are yet to effect payment of the wage award to our members in state universities thereby increasing their economic woes,” the communique noted.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Immediate Action
As the deadline looms, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU is set to convene on July 4th to assess the government’s response. If the Federal Government fails to meet their demands, a comprehensive industrial action is on the horizon. This impending strike underscores the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the grievances of all university unions equitably, to prevent further disruption in Nigeria’s education sector.
SSANU’s position is clear: the Federal Government must rectify the selective payment issue and resume the payment of the wage award alongside the accrued three months arrears without further delay. Only through sincere dialogue and equitable treatment can lasting peace and stability be restored to Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
