University unions in Nigeria, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), are calling on Finance Minister Wale Edun to release their unpaid salaries. These unions, representing university staff, began an indefinite strike to push for the payment of four months’ worth of withheld wages.
The unions started this strike following President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of their payment, which was relayed by the Ministry of Education. However, SSANU and NASU leaders insist that the next step is for the Ministry of Finance to process and pay their members electronically.
SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim expressed frustration on live television, saying, “The President has approved, and the Ministry of Education has informed us. Now, it’s up to the Finance Minister to finalize this and pay our members.”
Ibrahim stated that the union members are not open to further meetings with the government until the payment is made, as they believe all necessary steps have already been completed. According to Ibrahim, “Every process has been followed, and it’s now up to the Finance Ministry to press the button for electronic payment.”
After issuing several ultimatums to the government without success, the unions announced that all public university staff nationwide would go on strike until their demands are met. They have directed staff in every public university to hold meetings and stand united in their call for prompt payment.
The government reached out to the unions informally on Monday, but union leaders remain cautious. “We’ve been through this before, and nothing happened. Now, we want immediate action,” Ibrahim said. “Once our payments are made, we’ll resume work immediately. Lengthy discussions won’t change anything.”
This payment, according to the unions, is vital for the well-being of their members and the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s university system. The unions hope that the government will act swiftly to settle these withheld salaries, so university staff can return to their duties without further delays.
