Nationwide University Shutdown: Workers’ Strike Brings Campuses To A Standstill Across Nigeria

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has initiated an indefinite strike today, effectively shutting down all university operations across Nigeria.

This decision follows the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands, including the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved wages, earned allowances, and the fulfillment of a 2009 agreement. The ultimatum given to the government expired at midnight on Sunday, according to a statement signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi.

The strike directive mandates that all NASU and SSANU branches in federal and state universities, as well as inter-university centers, fully participate. This protest follows a series of actions, including ultimatums, demonstrations, and warning strikes, aimed at addressing the non-teaching staff’s grievances, which remain unresolved despite assurances from President Bola Tinubu.

NASU and SSANU members, who provide essential campus services like water, electricity, internet, and security, are urged to hold joint congresses on campuses today to formalize the start of the strike