Tension gripped the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) took to the streets in a peaceful protest to express their frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands. The demonstration, which took place within the university’s Samaru campus, formed part of a nationwide protest organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions.
The protest at ABU was marked by placard-carrying workers who chanted solidarity songs, calling on the government to honor its previous agreements and treat non-academic staff with fairness and respect.
Background of the Protest
The protest did not emerge overnight. For years, NASU and SSANU have consistently complained about the government’s neglect of issues affecting their members, ranging from unpaid salary arrears to inequitable treatment in the sharing of university funds.
The unions had earlier issued several ultimatums to the Federal Government, but according to them, all attempts at dialogue were met with silence or unfulfilled promises. This nationwide protest, which also spread to other institutions, became a last resort to compel government action.
At Ahmadu Bello University, both SSANU and NASU branches mobilized members early in the morning, gathering at strategic points on campus before proceeding to the university’s Senate Building. Union leaders addressed the crowd, reiterating that their grievances were not new but have remained unresolved for years.
Key Demands of NASU and SSANU
The unions outlined several major grievances that have fueled the ongoing industrial tension. These demands reflect issues affecting both the welfare of their members and the overall stability of the Nigerian university system.
| S/N | Demand | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Payment of Withheld Salaries | The unions are demanding the payment of two months’ withheld salaries, which were stopped during the 2022 nationwide strike, despite subsequent approval for payment. |
| 2 | Unremitted Third-Party Deductions | Funds deducted from staff salaries for pensions, cooperative societies, and insurance schemes between May and June 2022 have not been remitted to the appropriate institutions. |
| 3 | Inequitable Distribution of Earned Allowances | NASU and SSANU accuse the Federal Government of marginalizing non-academic staff in the sharing of the ₦50 billion released as Earned Allowances, claiming the bulk went to academic staff unions. |
| 4 | Non-Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement | The 2009 FGN-NASU/SSANU agreement, which outlines conditions of service and welfare improvements, has not been reviewed or implemented despite repeated promises. |
| 5 | Salary Structure Review | The unions demand the immediate implementation of approved salary increments of 25% and 35% for non-academic staff across federal universities. |
Voices from the Protest
Addressing members during the protest, the Chairman of SSANU ABU branch lamented that the government has consistently failed to treat non-teaching staff as essential contributors to the Nigerian university system.
According to him, “NASU and SSANU workers form the administrative backbone of universities. Without us, academic activities cannot run smoothly. Yet, we are treated as if our welfare does not matter. We have exercised patience long enough.”
Similarly, the NASU branch leader noted that the government’s insensitivity to the plight of university workers has demoralized many. He warned that the unions might be forced to take more drastic actions if their concerns are ignored.
Impact on Academic Activities
While the protest at ABU was peaceful and orderly, it nonetheless disrupted normal administrative operations on campus. Offices were shut down, and routine services were suspended as non-academic staff joined the demonstration.
The development has also created uncertainty among students, who fear that prolonged industrial action could lead to a full-scale shutdown of the university, similar to previous disruptions caused by union strikes.
Observers note that if the government fails to engage the unions promptly, the protests could escalate, potentially grounding operations across Nigerian universities once again.
Government’s Silence and the Growing Frustration
At the time of the protest, there was no immediate response from the Federal Government. This silence has further intensified frustration among non-academic staff, who feel neglected compared to their academic counterparts.
The unions argue that while lecturers under ASUU often receive quicker responses to their agitations, non-teaching staff are consistently sidelined, even though their roles are critical to maintaining institutional stability.
The NASU and SSANU leaders insist that they will not back down until the Federal Government fulfills its promises. They have vowed to continue with their protests across all federal universities until their demands are met.
Wider National Context
The protest at ABU Zaria is part of a larger wave of nationwide demonstrations taking place simultaneously in other universities. From the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), non-academic staff across the country have voiced the same grievances.
Analysts say the recurring labor unrest highlights deeper structural problems within Nigeria’s university system, particularly in funding, governance, and staff welfare. Unless these are addressed, similar disruptions may continue to plague the sector.
Possible Next Steps
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU has indicated that if the Federal Government remains unresponsive, it may consider a full-blown nationwide strike. Such a move could cripple administrative and support functions in universities nationwide, affecting everything from student registration to examination processing.
Education stakeholders are urging the government to open genuine dialogue with the unions and implement previously agreed resolutions to avoid another prolonged shutdown of tertiary institutions.
Conclusion
The ongoing protest at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, underscores a long-standing crisis of neglect, inequality, and frustration among non-academic university workers. NASU and SSANU’s demands—ranging from salary arrears to fair treatment—represent legitimate calls for justice and recognition within the Nigerian higher education system.
As the situation unfolds, one question remains critical: Will the government finally act to restore industrial peace, or will Nigeria’s universities once again descend into a cycle of strikes and disruptions?
