Nationwide Protests Loom as NASU, SSANU Call for Action

 

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have issued a directive to their members nationwide to prepare for a series of protests following a breakdown in dialogue with government officials.

In a circular released to branch chairmen and made public in Abuja on Sunday, NASU and SSANU announced plans for protests starting July 9, 2024, across various state chapters, culminating in a national protest in Abuja on July 18.

The decision, jointly signed by NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU’s National President, Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim, aims to address longstanding grievances, including the withholding of four months’ salaries among other issues affecting their members in universities and inter-university centers.

“The National body of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU met on Thursday, July 4, 2024, to assess the current situation and take a stance regarding the unresolved issues,” the circular stated.

Despite engagements with government representatives, including the Ministers of Education and Labour, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, NASU and SSANU expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of commitment to resolve their grievances.

“Unfortunately, the engagement with the Minister of Education has not shown any convincing commitment on the payment of the withheld salaries and resolutions of other pending grievances,” the circular lamented.

The unions further criticized the absence of the Minister of State for Labour during a scheduled meeting, leading to frustrations over unresolved issues. Consequently, NASU and SSANU have planned a series of industrial actions, starting with mandatory general meetings on July 8, 2024, to mobilize members across all branches.

“A ONE DAY protest should be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at each branch simultaneously,” the circular instructed, emphasizing the importance of member participation and media mobilization during the protests. Additionally, a national protest is scheduled for July 18 in Abuja, after which further decisions on potential strike actions will be announced.

NASU and SSANU concluded the circular with an appeal for cooperation from their members, promising to provide updates as the situation develops.