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) has officially announced the suspension of the nationwide indefinite strike initiated due to four months of withheld salaries.
The strike, which began in October, highlighted the unions' frustrations with the government’s delay in meeting their financial entitlements and improving their working conditions.
Following weeks of intense negotiations with top federal officials, including the Ministers of Education and Finance, the unions have agreed to suspend their strike starting November 5, 2024, in anticipation of further government actions to address their demands.
The decision to suspend the strike was conveyed through a circular titled, “Update on indefinite strike action,” signed by NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.
The circular was sent to all branches of the two unions in universities and inter-university centers, instructing them to communicate the development to their members and prepare for resumption on November 5.
This one-month suspension, however, remains conditional and contingent upon the federal government’s fulfillment of its commitment to clear the remaining withheld salaries.
In the circular, the JAC acknowledged the resilience and dedication of its members, who had steadfastly supported the strike in the face of financial challenges.
It stated, “The National leadership of the Joint Action Committee (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, 28th October, 2024, as a result of Government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands.”
The unions embarked on the industrial action as a last resort after repeated attempts to draw attention to the government’s failure to pay their salaries were ignored.
During the strike, NASU and SSANU leaders held multiple discussions with government officials, including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, and the Accountant-General of the Federation. These high-level meetings also involved the Department of State Services (DSS), underscoring the government’s recognition of the critical nature of the unions’ demands.
According to the JAC’s statement, the negotiations led to “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.”
This partial fulfillment, with 50 percent of the withheld salaries now paid, served as a crucial step towards convincing the unions to temporarily suspend their industrial action.
The JAC circular also provided detailed instructions to branch leaders of NASU and SSANU, directing them to hold joint congress meetings on November 4 to update members on the developments and prepare them to resume work the following day.
It added, “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 this development and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.”
However, the circular clarified that the unions’ decision to suspend the strike does not mean that all issues have been fully addressed.
Alongside the withheld salaries, several other financial and welfare-related demands remain unresolved, including arrears of 25/35 percent, the N50 billion in Earned Allowances, and wage adjustments.
These issues, according to the circular, are currently under renewed discussion, with hopes that the government will fulfill these commitments soon to avoid a return to industrial action.
The suspension, effective November 5, is thus a temporary reprieve, intended to give the government additional time to address the outstanding demands comprehensively. This decision reflects the unions’ cautious optimism, coupled with a strong message that they expect prompt action on these issues.
The leadership of JAC has made it clear that the strike suspension will be re-evaluated after the one-month period if satisfactory progress is not made.
For the federal government, the suspension presents a critical window to act decisively and honor its commitments to NASU and SSANU members.
The ongoing strike action had impacted the functioning of universities across Nigeria, with academic and administrative processes disrupted by the absence of critical non-academic staff.
With students and faculty members equally affected, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure that such disruptions are minimized in the future.
NASU and SSANU’s willingness to return to work temporarily illustrates their dedication to a functional academic environment, but it also serves as a reminder that the unions will not hesitate to reinitiate their industrial action if their demands remain unmet.
As the nation’s universities prepare to resume normal operations, all eyes are on the government to see if it can fulfill the promises made during the negotiations and foster a productive relationship with the unions moving forward.
Ultimately, the JAC’s decision to suspend the strike for a month offers an opportunity for constructive engagement between the federal government and NASU/SSANU.
Both parties now have a chance to demonstrate their commitment to improving conditions within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, with the hope that this period marks the beginning of a more cooperative era for Nigerian higher education.
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