The Traffic

Strike Suspended: Universities Set to Reopen as NASU, SSANU Call Off Protest Over Withheld Salaries

By Achimi Muktari

ABUJA — Federal universities across Nigeria are expected to resume normal operations tomorrow following the suspension of a nationwide indefinite strike by the non-academic staff unions. Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), have agreed to suspend their protest over withheld salaries.

The announcement, confirmed in a circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, marks a hopeful step for both students and staff affected by the work stoppage, which began on October 28. Effective November 5, JAC’s suspension is initially slated to last one month, during which they anticipate further payment from the government.

While the government recently released one month’s worth of the four months’ withheld salaries, union leaders indicate the suspension is conditional on the government’s fulfillment of a commitment to pay an additional month in the coming weeks. JAC praised its members for their “unrelenting determination and steadfast support” throughout the strike.

Not all university workers are returning to work, however. The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) is proceeding with its own protest and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Finance. NAAT, which received only one month’s pay out of an expected three, demands that at least 50% of the five months’ withheld salaries be released by November 13, following a two-week ultimatum issued to the government.

JAC’s circular underscores the complex negotiations that led to the strike’s suspension. Meetings with federal officials—including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, and other key government representatives—played a significant role in brokering this temporary resolution. The discussions focused on the pressing need to address the financial challenges faced by university staff members, who have endured months without pay.

JAC’s circular, titled "Update on Indefinite Strike Action," reflects both a sense of accomplishment in gaining government concessions and a cautious optimism about the weeks to come. “The government’s agreement to release partial salaries demonstrates some recognition of our legitimate demands,” the statement read. "However, we are suspending the strike on the condition that the government fulfills its promise to pay the remaining salaries within the agreed timeframe."

The suspension has been met with relief by students and parents alike, who have been caught in the crossfire of frequent disruptions to academic calendars. Many students and faculty members have expressed hope that the government will take more permanent steps to address ongoing salary issues and prevent further strikes.

Despite the temporary truce, NASU and SSANU leaders caution that failure to meet the one-month payment promise could reignite the strike. JAC’s leadership has pledged to monitor the government’s compliance closely, warning that a lack of follow-through may force them back to industrial action.

Meanwhile, NAAT’s continued protest poses an additional challenge for the government, as NAAT’s President Ibeji Nwokoma confirmed that their members are prepared to escalate their actions if their demands remain unmet. “Our members have shown resilience, and we expect the government to recognize the urgent need to address these withheld salaries promptly,” Nwokoma stated.

As universities resume operations, the larger question of long-term stability in Nigeria’s higher education sector lingers. Staff unions continue to emphasize the importance of prompt, consistent salary payments as essential for sustaining academic operations and morale across campuses. With multiple unions watching for government compliance, the recent suspension may mark the beginning of a new chapter—or another pause before future action.