Just in: SSANU, NASU announce date for nationwide protest 

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a nationwide protest for Thursday, October 9, over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.

In a joint statement issued under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions directed their branches across the country to mobilize members for a one-day protest, which will include campus marches, placard displays, and press briefings.

According to the memo signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President, the decision followed a meeting held on Monday, October 6, after a review of the government’s poor response to previous ultimatums.

Among the unresolved issues are the alleged unjust disbursement of ₦50 billion earned allowances, delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU-SSANU Agreement, non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries, and arrears of 25% and 35% salary increases. The unions are also demanding payment of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

The JAC recalled that it had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on September 15, later extended by 14 days, which expired on October 6 without meaningful progress.

“Despite meetings held on September 19 and October 6 with the Minister of Education’s Joint Consultative Committee, little progress was made. Our demands remain unresolved despite extensions and engagements,” the circular stated.

The unions therefore directed all branches in federal and state universities to hold joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, in preparation for the protest the following day.

“All members of NASU and SSANU in both Federal and State-owned Universities are expected to strictly comply with this directive. Your cooperation and active participation are essential for success,” the JAC warned.

The protest marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the university non-academic unions and the Federal Government over welfare and implementation of past agreements.