The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government starting September 15, over several unresolved demands.
If their demands are unmet within that deadline, the unions say they will launch industrial action, including a full strike.
In a joint letter dated September 12, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, NASU and SSANU outlined several grievances.
They claim an “unjust” distribution of ₦50 billion earned allowances, alleging university-based non-academic staff were shortchanged, and staff in Inter-University Centres were entirely excluded.
They also allege non-payment of withheld salaries and arrears from past years.
In addition, the unions are asking for the payment of outstanding salary increments of 25–35% for their members.
Finally, they demand renegotiation and fulfillment of the 2009 NASU/SSANU and Federal Government agreements.
Previous Engagements, Broken Promises
The unions reminded the government of earlier steps, including a meeting held on July 4, which resulted in the promise to set up a Tripartite Committee (with representatives from the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and the Joint Action Committee of NASU/SSANU) to resolve the issues.
Despite those assurances, the unions say little has happened, especially regarding the withheld salaries, allowance disbursement, and renegotiation of the agreements affecting non-teaching staff.
