The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have reaffirmed their decision to proceed with a nationwide protest on Tuesday. Their primary demand is the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to their members, and they have vowed not to relent until their demands are met.
NASU National President Makolo Hassan made this clear during an appearance on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" on Monday. He stated, “Aside from the failed meeting on Thursday, we have not heard anything from anyone, and our members across the country met in their various branches today. They will begin the protest in earnest starting tomorrow."
Hassan highlighted that despite a warning strike several months ago, the Federal Government has neglected the unions’ demands. He mentioned that following Tuesday’s protest, the unions plan to escalate their demonstrations by bringing their grievances directly to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
“We will reassess the situation next week Thursday. On the 18th, we are planning a national protest in Abuja. If nothing is done after that, we will return to the table. Both unions will then decide the next line of action,” Hassan said.
Back in March, the unions initiated a warning strike to press for their demands. The NASU and SSANU have instructed their members to participate in a nationwide protest on July 9, 2024, across all state chapters. This will be followed by a national protest in Abuja on July 18, 2024. These plans were outlined in a circular addressed to all branch chairmen of the respective unions, co-signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim.
This action comes after NASU and SSANU gave the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum in June to address their demands. The expected result of Tuesday’s protest is the shutdown of campuses nationwide.