Nationwide University Operations Halt as Staff Begin Indefinite Strike

Non-teaching university staff escalate action over withheld salaries and unaddressed grievances, leading to campus closures across Nigeria

The university staff indefinite strike has prompted a shutdown of university operations across Nigeria, as members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) begin their indefinite industrial action today. The strike arises from a series of unmet demands, including withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements with the government.

The unions, represented by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, announced in a statement that the ultimatum given to the Federal Government expired at midnight on Sunday. As of today, they vow to completely halt operations until their withheld four-month salaries are paid and previous agreements from 2009 are upheld.

Following a prolonged negotiation with the government over earned allowances and improved remuneration, the university staff indefinite strike has reached a critical stage. Last October, while President Bola Tinubu mandated partial payment of withheld salaries for academic staff, no similar directive was issued for non-teaching staff, leading to growing dissatisfaction. The unions regard this as a selective approach and have condemned the government’s inaction.

Despite several protests, warning strikes, and ultimatums, the unions claim the Federal Government has shown little intent to address their grievances. This indefinite strike involves both federal and state universities, with unions directing all branches to observe strict compliance with the directive. According to the unions, non-teaching staff control key facilities on campuses, such as water supply, electricity, internet access, and security, and their absence is expected to disrupt regular campus activities significantly.

As workers gathered for congress meetings on campuses this morning, union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the strike until full payment and resolution of all outstanding issues.