SSANU and NASU Mobilise Members for Nationwide Protest

 **SSANU and NASU Mobilise Members for Nationwide Protest**

**July 7, 2024 - by Adejayan Gbenga Gsong**

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued directives to their members across Nigeria to mobilize for a nationwide protest. The protest aims to address several grievances, most notably the withheld salaries of their members.

In a circular addressed to all branch chairmen of the two unions, and made available to the media in Abuja on Sunday, the unions announced that the protest would begin on July 9, 2024, across the state chapters of the federation. This will be followed by a national protest in Abuja on July 18, 2024. The circular was jointly signed by Peters Adeyemi, the General Secretary of NASU, and Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU.

The unions explained that the protest is a direct response to the recent breakdown in dialogue between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two bodies and the Ministers of Education and Labour and Employment. The statement read, “The National body of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU met on Thursday, 4th July 2024, to appraise and take a position on the current situation in respect of the withheld four months’ salaries and other grievances of our members in University and Inter-University Centres."

It further stated, “Similarly, the National JAC, on invitation, met with the Minister of Education; Honourable Minister of State for Education; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; other top officials of the Ministry and National Universities Commission. Unfortunately, the engagement with the Minister of Education has not shown any convincing commitment to the payment of the withheld salaries and resolutions of other pending grievances of JAC of the two unions.”

The unions expressed their disappointment with the outcome of their engagement with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. They stated, “It is also disheartening that the JAC was also at the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment, and as usual, the Honourable Minister of State was not on seat to receive us, as we were informed that she had an urgent call from the villa. The Permanent Secretary who stood in for her could not make any commitment on the issues raised.”

As a result of these unproductive engagements, the unions decided to initiate a series of industrial actions. The circular detailed the next steps, stating, “In view of this disappointment and failure of government to address grievances of NASU and SSANU, JAC has decided on a series of Industrial actions which include the following: All branches of NASU and SSANU should mandatorily hold a general meeting on Monday, 8th July 2024, to sensitize members on the insensitivity of government to our plights."

The circular continued, “A one-day protest should be held on Tuesday, 9th July 2024, at each branch simultaneously. Every branch should ensure that all members fully participate in the protest and that the media is adequately mobilized. A national protest will be held in Abuja on Thursday, 18th July 2024, after which JAC will meet to announce a date when the strike action will commence. Further information will be communicated appropriately. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this regard.”

The underlying issues prompting this large-scale mobilization are multifaceted. At the core is the prolonged non-payment of salaries, which has created severe financial hardship for many union members. Additionally, other unresolved grievances have compounded the dissatisfaction. These include inadequate funding of universities, poor working conditions, and the lack of necessary facilities and infrastructure in educational institutions.

The unions argue that these persistent issues undermine the quality of education and the welfare of university staff, which ultimately affects students and the broader educational system. By taking to the streets, SSANU and NASU hope to draw public attention to their plight and pressure the government into taking immediate, concrete actions to resolve these longstanding issues.

Moreover, this protest is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader pattern of industrial actions by various unions in Nigeria, reflecting widespread discontent with government policies and practices affecting workers across multiple sectors. The protests and subsequent strikes have often been the last resort for these unions after prolonged periods of negotiation and dialogue have failed to yield results.

For SSANU and NASU, the upcoming protests are a critical juncture. They represent both a stand against what they see as a dismissive and unresponsive government and a call to action for their members to unite and fight for their rights. The decision to hold simultaneous protests across the nation underscores the seriousness of their grievances and their determination to seek redress.

The planned protests also highlight the strategic coordination between SSANU and NASU. By combining their efforts, the unions aim to amplify their voices and increase the impact of their actions. This unity is seen as essential in dealing with a government that has, in their view, consistently failed to address their concerns satisfactorily.

As the protest dates approach, both unions are ramping up their efforts to mobilize their members. Meetings are being held, and communication lines are being kept open to ensure that every member is aware of the planned actions and the reasons behind them. The emphasis on media involvement is also significant, as it aims to ensure that the public is fully informed about the issues at stake and the reasons for the protests.

The broader implications of these protests are considerable. If successful, they could lead to significant changes in government policy and practice regarding the treatment of university staff and the funding of educational institutions. They could also set a precedent for other unions and workers facing similar issues, demonstrating the power of coordinated, collective action.

However, the protests also carry risks. The government's response could range from concessions and negotiations to attempts to suppress the protests through legal or other means. The outcome will depend on various factors, including the level of public support for the unions, the government's willingness to engage constructively, and the ability of the unions to maintain unity and resolve among their members.

In conclusion, the upcoming nationwide protests by SSANU and NASU represent a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between Nigerian university staff and the government. With unresolved grievances and a lack of satisfactory engagement from the authorities, the unions are taking a stand for their rights and the future of the country's educational system. The outcome of these protests could have far-reaching implications, not only for the unions and their members but for the broader landscape of labor relations in Nigeria. As the protests unfold, all eyes will be on the government’s response and the potential impact on the country's education sector.