The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) announced on Saturday that the Federal Government has released only one of the four months' salaries that were withheld during their recent strike.
The strike, which has affected public universities across Nigeria, was initially launched in response to the non-payment of salaries, with the unions demanding immediate resolution to wage disputes.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation confirmed that withheld salaries were released, a move the government hoped would ease tensions with university workers.
However, leaders from the unions stated that the partial payment falls far short of the expectations and needs of their members.
According to SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, the government’s response remains inadequate, leaving university staff disillusioned and determined to continue the strike.
The strike began earlier this week after JAC announced an indefinite shutdown of university services due to the Federal Government’s failure to pay four months' worth of salaries.
This has led to a complete halt of non-academic functions within Nigerian universities, including administration, maintenance, and student services, all of which rely heavily on non-academic staff members for seamless operation.
In addition to the rank-and-file university employees represented by SSANU and NASU, the salary freeze has also affected top university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars.
According to Ibrahim, these unpaid salaries have severely impacted the ability of universities to function and created financial hardship among staff who depend on timely salary payments to meet personal and family obligations.
Despite confirmation that some union members had received one month of the withheld salaries, Ibrahim noted that the release does not yet extend to all affected employees.
He explained, “Yes, they paid one month out of four months. We shall be meeting to appraise the situation. Not everyone has received so far.”
Ibrahim emphasized that until the remaining months are fully paid, union members are unlikely to return to work, as the partial payment does not fulfill their demands.
The SSANU President highlighted that a substantial 98 percent of union members have supported the strike, illustrating the widespread frustration within the workforce.
Ibrahim expressed confidence that members would remain committed to the industrial action until the Federal Government provides a comprehensive response to their grievances. “Our members have complied fully with the strike directive,” he stated.
“Until we have received all withheld salaries and a clear indication from the government that it is committed to fulfilling its obligations, we cannot, in good faith, resume work.”
The effects of the strike are already being felt across Nigeria’s public university system.
With university administrators, librarians, lab technicians, and other essential staff members withholding their services, students are unable to access critical resources and support for their studies.
Additionally, the absence of these non-academic staff disrupts the ability of universities to maintain essential functions, such as processing admissions, conducting examinations, and overseeing campus facilities.
The ongoing strike has also intensified the spotlight on broader issues facing Nigerian universities, including underfunding and poor working conditions.
For years, university unions have raised concerns over what they see as a chronic lack of investment in higher education, leading to low morale and making it difficult for institutions to attract and retain qualified staff.
JAC leaders have argued that the withheld salaries are part of a larger trend of neglect toward university workers’ welfare and have called for reforms to address the systemic issues plaguing the sector.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has maintained that the withholding of salaries was not intended to be punitive, explaining that it was a consequence of disruptions in the budgeting process and payroll issues linked to the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
However, union leaders have criticized the system, arguing that it fails to accurately account for university staff and has resulted in numerous delays and inconsistencies in salary payments.
As the standoff continues, stakeholders are urging the Federal Government and university unions to return to the negotiation table to resolve the impasse.
Many parents, students, and educational advocates worry that prolonged industrial action will further erode the quality of higher education in Nigeria, as students bear the brunt of the disruptions caused by the strike.
For now, the unions’ stance remains firm, with JAC insisting that it will not suspend the strike until the government releases the remaining withheld salaries and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the underlying issues affecting university staff.
The situation highlights the growing need for improved dialogue between the government and academic unions to avert future disruptions to Nigeria’s educational system.
The outcome of JAC’s upcoming appraisal meeting will likely determine the direction of the ongoing industrial action.
As negotiations progress, the unions hope the government will understand the urgency of their demands and take steps to fulfill its obligations, allowing for a swift resolution that benefits both university workers and the broader educational community in Nigeria.
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