By Our Reporter
Administrative work would be disrupted in public universities tomorrow following the decision of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in the universities, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to begin an indefinite strike over the non-payment of the four months withheld salary of their members.
The leadership of NASU and SSANU said the strike would commence on Sunday night October 27, 2024.
JAC, in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
The circular by General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective coordination and for both unions to be on the same page.
JAC regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 per cent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised questions about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
The unions said: “It is on record that the JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.
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“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting have already concluded.
“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to midnight of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.
“We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.
“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”