The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions have declared a one-day protest for Thursday, October 9, over the Federal Government’s delay in addressing their long-standing demands.
The two unions, under the Joint Action Committee, directed all branches to hold joint emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilize members for the protest. The planned activities include protest marches across campuses, press briefings, and the display of placards stating their grievances.
JAC said the decision followed the expiration of several ultimatums earlier issued to the government.
The issues at the center of the dispute include the alleged unfair disbursement of N50 billion Earned Allowances, the delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement with NASU and SSANU, non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries, arrears of 25 and 35 percent salary increases, and unpaid third-party deductions for May and June 2022.
The unions had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on September 15, which was later extended by another 14 days but ended on Monday, October 6, without any resolution.
In a memo titled “Commencement of Protest Actions,” dated October 6, and signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, JAC said the protest became necessary due to the government’s failure to act.
It stated that the Joint Consultative Committee set up by the Ministry of Education to address the unions’ demands had met twice but achieved little progress.
“All members of NASU and SSANU in both federal and state universities are expected to strictly comply with this directive. Your cooperation and strict adherence are essential to achieving success in our demands,” the circular read.
