The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions has announced the suspension of its ongoing strike for one month, effective from November 5.
This decision involves the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
The announcement was made through a statement jointly signed by Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, reflecting a cautious optimism following negotiations with the federal government.
The strike began on October 28, driven by grievances over the non-payment of four months’ salaries and the non-fulfillment of other demands. However, exhaustive discussions with government officials have led to a temporary resolution. “These high-level engagements culminated into extracting an irrevocable commitment from the Federal Government that two out of the four months’ salaries would be paid in staggered forms,” Adeyemi explained.
The agreement includes a payment made in October 2024, with the subsequent month’s salary scheduled for disbursement by the end of November. This move showcases the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, as highlighted by the proactive involvement of the new Minister of Education and the leadership of the Department of State Services.
“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new Minister of Education and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024,” the statement read.
Branch leaders of NASU and SSANU have been instructed to hold joint congresses on their campuses to communicate this development to their members. Meanwhile, discussions on unresolved issues, including the remaining two months of salaries, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and the Wage Award, continue to be revisited and deliberated upon.
This temporary suspension provides a window for further dialogue and resolution, aiming to stabilize the educational environment and address the pressing concerns of non-teaching staff across the nation’s universities.
