The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened a total and indefinite strike in the country’s education sector.
The NASU and SSANU Joint Action Committee (JAC) stated this in a statement on Wednesday, amid the unions’ ongoing warning strike.
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They argued that the decision was essential since the administration had failed to address the concerns that had prompted the warning strike.
“We had written no less than 10 letters or reminders to the government to no avail, not even an acknowledgement,” the communique read. “It was at the end of all these reminders with no acknowledgement by the government that we were left with no other resort but to embark on a two-week warning strike.
“Prior to the strike, due process was duly followed, and the notices were issued in line with the extant laws. Shamefully and painfully, there was no attempt by the Government to intercept or even invite the Unions to a meeting.
“This aloof and contemptuous attitude of Government further incensed our members who resolved that following the failure of Government to even invite the leaderships for a meeting, the strike should be extended by another two weeks before an indefinite and total strike is declared.
“As of today, the two weeks extension is getting to the middle and with no response insight from the government, we may be left with no resort but to embark on an indefinite and total strike. This is gradually becoming unavoidable and inevitable.”
According to the unions, anomalies in payment with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), non-payment of earned allowances, and non-payment of arrears of national minimum wage and consequential adjustment are among the concerns that led to the strike.
The administration was chastised by NASU and SSANU for failing to implement a freely agreed into agreement with the unions.
They also urged Nigerians and university stakeholders to press the government to uphold the accord in order to prevent a “complete breakdown of industrial harmony at universities and inter-university centers.”
