SSANU, NASU Declare Nationwide Protest Thursday Over Unmet Demands

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced plans for a nationwide one-day protest on Thursday, following the Federal Government’s continued failure to address their longstanding demands.

Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions have directed their branches to convene emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilize members for the protest. The planned activities include peaceful marches within campuses, placard displays, and press briefings.

This decision came after JAC’s meeting on October 6, where members reviewed the government’s response to earlier ultimatums that had expired without progress. Key grievances include alleged unfair disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances, delays in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreements, non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries, arrears of the 25% and 35% salary increases, and non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

In a circular dated October 6, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, JAC instructed all branches to ensure total compliance. The statement emphasized that despite the inauguration of a Joint Consultative Committee by the Minister of Education, only minimal progress has been made since meetings began in September.

SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim accused the government of insincerity, warning that an indefinite strike could follow if the situation remains unresolved. “Ours will not be the mother of all strikes; it will be the grandfather of all strikes,” he declared, lamenting that non-academic staff remain the “worst hit financially, economically, and psychologically.”

The unions reaffirmed their commitment to unity and full participation across all federal and state universities, stressing that Thursday’s protest marks a decisive step toward pressing home their demands.