By Kolawole Ojebisi
The National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Mohammed Ibrahim, has explained why members of the association decided to down tools across the country.
Ibrahim noted that embarking on industrial action was the last resort for the association after exploring all possible avenues to no avail.
The SSANU president stressed that they were “pushed to the wall” by Federal Government hence the current development.
Ibrahim disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s News Track programme.
Among other demands, the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and SSANU are calling for payment of their four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.
After several attempts proved unsuccessful, the unions began a nationwide strike on Monday, halting activities across institutions in the country.
“We have made several efforts to engage with the government to resolve the situation. Even before the extension on the 23rd, several extensions were given. Recall that this is not a new issue.
“In July, specifically on the 17th, we held multiple protests in Abuja. Thereafter, the NLC took the matter to the president during discussions on the new minimum wage. At that meeting, the president directed that 50 per cent of the four months’ salaries be paid. But three months later, the promise remains unfulfilled.
“We have held numerous discussions with the ministers of education, who assured us of payment, yet the promise remains elusive. So, for now, we have been pushed to the wall because we have exhausted all avenues to resolve the issue, even asking our members to be patient. Our members across branches have met, and the strike has begun. Moving forward, all activities in the bursary, registry, works and maintenance, security, and student affairs have been put on hold until payments are made,” Ibrahim said.
The SSANU president also noted that once payments are received, the strike will be called off, stating: “Previous overtures were made by the former minister of education. And this morning, I received a call from the minister-designate to discuss a meeting. However, the strike is a process, and the leadership of SSANU and NASU will need to meet.”
He added: “Currently, none of us is in Abuja, but we are trying to organise a meeting. The truth is, once these payments are made today, since payments are done by electronic transfer, we will call off the strike.”
