The University of Ilorin chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union is set to convene a crucial joint congress on Tuesday to evaluate the ongoing strike action declared by the unions.
The meeting will take place at the university gate at 8 AM, as announced by Segun Alabi, the Public Relations Officer for SSANU in Ilorin, Kwara State.
In a statement, Alabi said, “We will hold a Congress at the gate of the University of Ilorin at 8 am tomorrow (Tuesday) where we will decide on the strike. Your strict compliance and adherence to this directive is mandatory for all NASU and SSANU branches in Federal and State Owned Universities as well as Inter-University Centres.”
The unions have been in a protracted struggle for the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, as referenced in the latest circular from the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, titled ‘Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four Months’ Salaries’, which was circulated on October 21, 2024.
This circular stipulated that the Federal Government had until midnight on October 27, 2024, to address their demands, which include the payment of outstanding salaries and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the government on August 20, 2022.
Alabi voiced the frustration of the unions regarding the government’s inaction, “It is quite appalling that we have issued several ultimatums thereafter with no positive result from the government; it is therefore obvious that the Government is not positively disposed to our rightful and legitimate demands in spite of several interactions, dialogues, exchange of correspondences, and assurances of payment, all to no avail.”
He further noted the prolonged patience exhibited by the unions, “We have exercised considerable and prolonged patience, allowing multiple deadlines to pass without receiving a satisfactory response to our demands by the Government.”
Alabi instructed all members across universities and Inter-University Centres nationwide to hold a joint congress on Monday, October 28, 2024, and prepare for an indefinite, comprehensive, and total strike action.
“No concession should be given in any guise,” he asserted, indicating the seriousness of their demands.
The unions are responsible for vital services including water supply, electricity, communication, internet access, security, and finance, and Alabi made it clear that if the government responds favorably, “if they pay this money tomorrow (today), we will call off the strike.”
On Sunday, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU reiterated their commitment to shutting down all university activities across the country starting Monday (today), citing the expiration of the ultimatum given to the Federal Government regarding their withheld salaries.
The unions are steadfast in their demands, which include the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the agreements established in 2009 with the government.
