By Francesca Hangeior
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities will meet with the Federal Government today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. to discuss the ongoing strike.
SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam confirmed to PUNCH Online on Thursday morning that the union received an official invitation from the Federal Government on Wednesday night.
“We received a formal invitation last night. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am today. It will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education and will be held in the Minister’s Conference Room,” he said.
The unions, under JAC, began an indefinite strike on Monday due to four months of unpaid salaries, leading to a shutdown of university activities nationwide.
SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim noted that top university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars, also hadn’t been paid, further impacting university operations.
He added that 98% of members complied with the strike, and they will not return to work until their demands are met.
He said, “It is a long-term battle because this strike also involves Vice-Chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid. The impact is significant, and no one from the government has reached out to us. We have withdrawn our services, and our members are resolute they will not return to work until all salaries are paid.”
He added that compliance with the strike was encouraging, achieving 98 per cent adherence.
The unions are demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.