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  • SSANU, NASU suspend strike after agreement with FG

    SSANU, NASU suspend strike after agreement with FG

    The non-academic staff of Nigerian public universities (NASU) has announced the suspension of the indefinite strike from Tuesday, 5 November.

    The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) announced this decision in a strike update sent to branch chairpersons nationwide on Sunday.

    The suspension comes a day after the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Bawa Mokwa, said the payments to NASU members had commenced, with many beneficiaries already confirming receipt of their salaries and benefits.

    While emphasising its dedication to addressing longstanding financial obligations within federal institutions, the Office of the Accountant-General also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.

    Reacting to this, the statement jointly signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi noted that the decision to suspend the strike followed “several extensive and exhaustive deliberations” with top government officials, including the new Minister of Education, the and the Minister of Finance.

    The unions noted that through these engagements, they secured an “irrevocable commitment” from the government to release two months’ worth of withheld salaries in batches —one month by the end of October (which has reportedly been largely fulfilled) and the second month by the end of November.

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    The statement also emphasised that ongoing discussions with the government continue regarding the remaining two months’ withheld salaries, the N50 billion in Earned Allowances, the arrears of 25/35 percent, and a proposed Wage Award.

    “Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister 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 indefinite strike be suspended for one- month effective Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.

    “Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint Congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 4th November, 2024 and intimate members of these development and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.

    “We wish to also reiterate that discussions on the remaining 2 months, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations.”

  • NASU, SSANU to call off strike tomorrow

    NASU, SSANU to call off strike tomorrow

    Members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have promised to suspend their strike tomorrow for one month.

    They said the Federal Government paid only one out of the four months’ salaries the government owed them.

    In a short message through his WhatsApp, NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, confirmed the payment, saying the government had agreed to pay another one month salary by the end of this month.

    “Just one month out of the two months approved for payment is dropping presently.

    “There’s an understanding that the second month will be paid at the end of November.

    “As responsible unions (NASU and SSANU), we are suspending the strike on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for one month only,” Adeyemi said.

    The leaderships of both unions, through their JAC, issued the strike directive via a circular by NASU’s Secretary-General Adeyemi and SSANU’s President Mohammed Ibrahim to the chairmen of their branches nationwide.

    Their primary goal, they said, was to press for the payment of the salaries the government owed to them since 2022.

    The strike disrupted administrative work in public universities and inter-university centres nationwide.

    In a statement at the weekend by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), announced the release of funds to be paid to NASU and SSANU members.

    Read Also: NASU, SSANU strike continues nationwide

    A statement through the JAC of both unions by Adeyemi and Ibrahim said: “The national leadership of the JAC of NASU and SSANU acknowledges and commends our members in the universities and inter-university centres for their unwavering resolve, unrelenting determination and steadfast support for the ongoing strike action.

    “You will recall that the ongoing strike action foisted on us commenced on the Monday, October 28, 2024 as a result of government’s insensitivity to the plight of our members in respect of our legitimate demands.

    “During this industrial struggle, we have had several extensive and exhaustive deliberations with officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “These high-level engagements culminated in extracting an irrevocable commitment from the Federal Government that the two months of the four months withheld salaries would be paid in staggered form: one month by the end of October, 2024 (which has largely been done), then the second month to be paid by the end of November, 2024.

    “Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the DSS, the leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint congress in their respective campuses on Monday, November 4, 2024 and intimate members of these developments and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

    “We wish to also reiterate that discussions on the remaining two months, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations.”

  • FG releases withheld salaries for NASU, pays retiree benefits

    FG releases withheld salaries for NASU, pays retiree benefits

    The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of withheld salaries to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU).

    This is a conciliatory step by the federal government in addressing longstanding salary arrears and supporting federal university staff, some of whom have embarked on strike.

    The announcement came from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) in a statement signed by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, on Saturday.

    According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also allocated funds to cover benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), further demonstrating its commitment to honouring pension obligations.

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    Mokwa added that payments to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities have commenced, with numerous NASU members confirming receipt of their salaries. This release is anticipated to alleviate financial pressures faced by university staff and contribute to stabilizing the public university system.

    “The Federal Government remains committed to efficiently catering to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees,” the OAGF statement said, demonstrating ongoing efforts to ensure prompt financial support for public sector workers and pensioners by the government.

    The development is part of broader measures aimed at resolving financial grievances within Nigeria’s higher education sector and improving the welfare of both active and retired personnel.

  • FG releases withheld salaries of NASU, pays retirement benefits

    FG releases withheld salaries of NASU, pays retirement benefits

    The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of withheld salaries to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU).

    This is a conciliatory step by the Federal Government in addressing long-standing salary arrears and supporting federal university staff, some of whom have embarked on strike.

    The announcement came from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) in a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, on Saturday.

    According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also allocated funds to cover benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), further demonstrating its commitment to honouring pension obligations.

    Mokwa added that payments have commenced, with numerous NASU members confirming receipt of their salaries. 

    This release is anticipated to alleviate financial pressures faced by university staff and contributes to stabilizing the public university system.

    “The Federal Government remains committed to efficiently catering to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees,” the OAGF statement reads demonstrating ongoing efforts to ensure prompt financial support for public sector workers and pensioners by the government.

    The development is part of broader measures aimed at resolving financial grievances within Nigeria’s higher education sector and improving the welfare of both active and retired personnel.

  • NASU, SSANU strike continues nationwide

    NASU, SSANU strike continues nationwide

    • Union’s enforcement team shuts down UNIPORT’s primary school
    • Action disrupts new students’ orientation at OAU

    The ongoing nationwide strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) continued yesterday on most university campuses across the country.

    The unions’ monitoring team yesterday shut down the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Demonstration Primary School.

    It was learnt that the team stormed the primary school within the university, closed it and asked the head teacher and the pupils to go home to enforce the strike.

    A senior employee at UNIPORT’s administrative department, who spoke in confidence, said: “The taskforce enforcing the strike today shut down the UNIPORT’s Demonstration Primary School. The headmistress of the schools thought that since it is a primary school, it is not included in the strike.

    “But the taskforce explained that members of staff of the primary school are also members of the unions and should be affected by the strike.

    “The strike has been effective since it started on Monday. None of them reported to work apart from the people enforcing the strike.”

    The strike also stalled the orientation programme organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at Ile-Ife in Osun State for first year students.

    The university’s SSANU Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Arobadi, announced this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ile-Ife.

    Arobadi said that it was a pity that new students, who were being exposed to the dos and don’ts in the institution, could have such an ugly experience while entering the institution.

    The SSANU chairman said the union unanimously agreed that the strike be total and indefinite until government listened to its striking members.

    “We have spoken with the university management and appealed that they understand the position of the union, adding that the order for the strike came from the national leadership of the union.

    “Immediately we receive alert on our phones, we will resume our duties,” he said.

    The unions’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) yesterday joined the strike.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the university’s NASU Chairman Suberu Ibrahim said the strike would remain total and indefinite until the Federal Government paid the four months’ withheld salaries of its members.

    His SSANU counterpart, Mr. Falowo Naheem, expressed displeasure over alleged mistreatment that the unions’ members were getting from the government.

    At the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufo-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State, NASU threatened to sanction defaulters of the strike.

    The AE-FUNAI’s NASU Chairman, Mr. Chibuike Igwe, told NAN that the union had mobilised for the full compliance to the industrial action in the university.

    Read Also:ASUU, NASU, SSANU strikes ground academic activities in varsities

    Also, the strike grounded administrative activities yesterday at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

    Our correspondent reports that apart from the office of the vice chancellor that was open, which members of the striking unions moved to close, all other offices were shut down.

    Only the Department of Veterinary Medicine, whose students started their exams last week, was spared.

    Other departments were said to have concluded their examinations last two to three weeks.

    Apart from security operatives seen at different postings, all other non-academic workers stayed at home.

    At the University of Jos (UNIJOS), SSANU Chairman Anthony Joro and his NASU counterpart, Monday Danjuma, said the unions’ members would not return to work until the Federal Government met their demands.

    At the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), the unions grounded administrative activities in all the departments.

    SSANU Chairman Linus Akata said academic activities at the institution would remain on hold until all outstanding payments were made.

    He said: “We held our congress yesterday (Monday) and people voted 100 per cent and commenced the strike immediately.

    “Today (Tuesday), it was complied with 100 per cent. The bursar, the registrar and all the principal officers are working from home. No office is open. Both primary and secondary schools have been shut down.”

    The unions’ branches at the University of Ibadan (UI) complied with the strike.

    A lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Criminology, Dr. Tade Oludayo, told our correspondent that the strike did not have a direct impact on students as they had finished their examinations.

    A student and President of the Faculty of Law, Idowu Ademola, said though students had finished their examinations few weeks ago, lecture theatres, libraries, and other places of learning were shut down due to the strike.

    Administrative activities at the Federal University of Technology in Akure (FUTA) were grounded yesterday.

    Many offices were under lock and key as members of the unions did not report for work.

    Official of both unions went round the institution to ensure compliance while other union members were directed to stay away from their offices.

  • NASU, SSANU begin indefinite strike Monday

    NASU, SSANU begin indefinite strike Monday

    Administrative work would be disrupted in public universities tomorrow following the decision of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in the universities, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to begin an indefinite strike over the non-payment of the four months withheld salary of their members. 

    The leadership of NASU and SSANU said the strike would commence on Sunday night October 27, 2024.

    JAC, in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.

    The circular by General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective coordination and for both unions to be on the same page.

    JAC regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 per cent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised questions about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

    The unions said: “It is on record that the JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.

    Read Also: BREAKING: NASU, SSANU protest four-month withheld salaries

    “However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting have already concluded.

    “In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to midnight of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.

    “We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.

    “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”

  • NASU appeals to FG to pay withheld salaries

    NASU appeals to FG to pay withheld salaries

    The leadership of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has appealed to the Federal Government to pay the withheld salaries of its members.

    President of NASU, Dr Makolo Hassan made the appeal to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun during a two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

    The union urged the minister to pay 50 per cent of the withheld salaries as directed by President Tinubu.

    Hassan said the government was yet to resolve the issue of the four months unpaid salaries of NASU members in the universities and inter-university centres.

    The NASU president said: “This is in spite of the fact that we have been informed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that 50 per cent of the unpaid salary, that is the two months, be paid.

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    “We are reliably informed that the finance minister is the one sitting on the directive of Mr. President on the matter.

    “NASU will therefore, like to use this forum to appeal to him to ensure that the directive is implemented to avert further industrial crisis in our universities and inter-university centres.”

    Hassan called on the government to speedily address the various issues as contained in the different agreements and Memoranda of Understanding entered with the leadership of the union.

    He called on the government to enhance the living standards of the non-teaching staff by granting them the privilege of enjoying the newly approved 65 years retirement age and 40 years of service.

    He appealed to the government to constitute the boards of the research institutions to enhance their productivity.

    He also called on the President to ensure that the board of the teaching/specialist hospitals were constituted towards ensuring effectiveness in their performance.

    He said that the education sector faced significant challenges, particularly funding, infrastructure decay and staff welfare that have hindered the fulfillment of the institutions’ mandates.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman called for support to build an education system with pride and a legacy for the future generations.

  • Pay our withheld salaries, NASU begs Fed Govt

    Pay our withheld salaries, NASU begs Fed Govt

    The leadership of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has appealed to the federal government to pay the withheld salaries of its members.

    President of NASU, Dr Makolo Hassan appealed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun during a two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

    The union urged the minister to pay 50 percent of the withheld salaries as directed by President Tinubu.

    Hassan said the government was yet to resolve the issue of the four months’ unpaid salaries of NASU members in the universities and inter-university centres.

    The NASU president said: “This is in spite of the fact that we have been informed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that 50 percent of the unpaid salary, that is the two months, be paid.

    “We are reliably informed that the finance minister is the one sitting on the directive of Mr President on the matter.

    “NASU will, therefore, like to use this forum to appeal to him to ensure that the directive is implemented to avert a further industrial crisis in our universities and inter-university centres.”

    Hassan called on the government to speedily address the various issues as contained in the different agreements and Memoranda of Understanding entered with the leadership of the union.

    He called on the government to enhance the living standards of the bon-teaching staff by granting them the privilege of enjoying the newly approved 65-year retirement age and 40 years of service.

    He appealed to the government to constitute the boards of the research institutions to enhance their productivity.

    He also called on the President to ensure that the board of the teaching/specialist hospitals was constituted to ensure effectiveness in their performance.

    He said that the education sector faced significant challenges, particularly funding, infrastructure decay, and staff welfare that have hindered the fulfillment of the institutions’ mandates.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman called for support to build an education system with pride and a legacy for the future generations.

    Mamman, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof Pauline Okwelle said that in the face of economic challenges, there was a need to focus on enhancing productivity.

    He said: “This requires us to be adaptable and innovative. The digital economy presents us with numerous opportunities to streamline and improve our services.

    “Let us embrace technology, not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance our efficiency.

    “Training and development in digital skills will empower us to do our jobs more effectively, align for better service delivery, and increase productivity.

    “I encourage you to participate in workshops and training sessions that will equip you with the necessary skills to strive in this evolving landscape.

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    “As representatives of our institutions, we must exemplify professionalism and integrity in all our interactions. This not only boosts our reputation, but it also instills confidence among members of our academic community.”

    The Acting Vice – Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof Aisha Maikudi said that the role of non-academic staff was crucial in the advancement of education.

    She said it was important to recognise that the smooth operation of any educational institution depends on the hard work, commitment, and efficiency of non-academic staff.

    The VC said: “From administrative duties to ensuring that our campuses are conducive for learning, research, and innovation, your contribution is essential to the success of the university system and education as a whole.”

  • BREAKING: NASU, SSANU protest four-month withheld salaries

    BREAKING: NASU, SSANU protest four-month withheld salaries

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have commenced a one day nationwide protest over their four-month withheld salaries. 

    Their protest has led to disruption in administrative work in universities and inter – university Centres.

    As early as 7:30am, the union members converged on the popular Unity Fountain, Abuja from where they would march on the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment.

    General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi said letters would be presented to both ministries. 

    The workers are asking the Federal Government to pay “us what you owe  us.”

    The unions said meetings with the government over the withheld salaries have not yielded positive results. 

    Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige invoked the ‘No work, no pay’ policy when the four university based unions embarked on a prolonged strike in 2022.

    Salaries of members of the university-based unions who participated in the strike were withheld by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    But President Bola Tinubu in October 2023 granted amnesty to the university workers and directed that four months of the withheld salaries be paid to them.

    Details Shortly… 

  • NASU, SSANU to commence nationwide protest Jul 18

    NASU, SSANU to commence nationwide protest Jul 18

    Administrative work in universities and inter-university centres will be disrupted on July 18 as the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have decided to stage a one-day protest over their four months’ withheld salaries.

    The Joint Action Committee of both unions have already directed their state chapters to meet on Monday (today) in preparation for a one-day protest tomorrow (Tuesday).

    This decision, according to the unions, followed the alleged failure to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha over their four months of withheld salaries.

    In a joint statement by the General Secretary of NASU and National President of SSANU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions said: “The National body of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU met on Thursday, 4th July 2024 to appraise and take a position on the current situation in respect of the withheld (4) four months’ salaries and other grievances of our members in University and Inter-University Centres.

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    “Similarly, the National JAC on invitation met with the Honourable Minister of Education; Honourable Minister of State for Education; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; other top officials of the Ministry and National Universities Commission (NUC). Unfortunately, the engagement with the Minister of Education has not shown any convincing commitment to the payment of the withheld salaries and resolutions of other pending grievances of the JAC of the two unions.

    “It is also disheartening that the JAC was also at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and as usual, the Honourable Minister of State was not on seat to receive us, as we were informed that she had an urgent call from the villa. The Permanent Secretary who stood in for her could not make any commitment to the issues raised.

    “In view of this disappointment and failure of Government to address grievances of NASU and SSANU, JAC has decided on a series of Industrial actions which include the following; all branches of NASU and SSANU should mandatorily hold a general meeting on Monday, 8th July, 2024 to sensitise members on the insensitivity of Government to our plights.

    “A one-day protest should hold on Tuesday, 9th July 2024 at each branch simultaneously. Every branch should ensure that all members fully participate in the protest and that the Press/ media is adequately mobilised.

    “A national protest which will hold in Abuja on Thursday, 18th July 2024 after which JAC will meet to announce a date when the strike action will commence.”