The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has requested further clarification from the Federal Government regarding the disbursement of withheld salaries to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities who participated in an eight-month strike in 2022.
According to The PUNCH, the union pointed out that the statement issued by the Presidency primarily focused on ASUU and did not mention other university-based unions.
In 2022, several university-based unions, including ASUU, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, went on strike.
While the strikes by SSANU and NASU lasted a little over four months, ASUU’s strike endured for eight months.
During this period, the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari enforced a “no work, no pay” rule on the striking workers.
However, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu has partially waived the “no work, no pay” order. This resulted in the release of four months’ worth of salary arrears out of the eight months that were withheld by the government.
Recall that this waiver was presented as part of an ongoing effort to alleviate the challenges experienced during the implementation of vital economic reforms in the country, as stated by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.
The National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, in an interview with journalists said, “We are still seeking further clarifications on the matter. Though the headlines captured ASUU, we believe that the government will not shortchange other university-based unions.”
AS for ASUU, they have indicated that they will provide a suitable response to the partial waiver granted by the Tinubu administration regarding the eight months’ salary arrears.
The Chairman of the union, Federal University of Technology, Minna branch, and a member of the National Executive Council, Prof Gbolahan Bolarin, said, “They (FG) have issued their statement. Definitely, our national body will also respond appropriately.”
