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Introduction
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), one of the nation’s foremost tertiary institutions, was thrown into disarray as members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) embarked on a nationwide protest.
The demonstration, which crippled administrative and non-academic activities, was part of a larger industrial action called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two unions.
Their grievances centre around the non-payment of withheld salaries, unfulfilled 2009 agreements, discriminatory treatment in the disbursement of allowances, and poor welfare conditions in Nigerian universities.
Background to the Protest
The SSANU/NASU protest did not occur in isolation. It follows years of frustration among non-academic university workers who have repeatedly accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of neglecting their welfare.
In 2009, the government signed a comprehensive agreement with SSANU, NASU, and other staff unions, promising improved pay structures, allowances, and better working conditions. Over a decade later, the unions say the government has failed to implement most of the agreement, leaving workers demoralized and financially strained.
This latest protest, held simultaneously in UNN and several other public universities, serves as a warning demonstration—a precursor to a potential nationwide indefinite strike if the government fails to act swiftly.
How the Protest Unfolded at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
On Thursday, hundreds of non-teaching staff members stormed the UNN administrative complex, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs.
Placards bore inscriptions such as:
- “Pay our withheld salaries now!”
- “Honour the 2009 Agreement!”
- “Stop discriminating against non-teaching staff!”
- “We are tired of empty promises!”
The protesters, led by the UNN branches of SSANU and NASU, stated that their action was in total compliance with the directive from their national leadership. The peaceful protest resulted in the shutdown of key administrative offices, leaving university operations paralyzed for the day.
Reports indicated that admissions, registration, payroll, and other administrative services were suspended as staff downed tools.
Key Issues Raised by the Unions
The SSANU and NASU members listed a range of issues fueling their grievances, including:
- Withheld Salaries
The Federal Government reportedly withheld salaries of university staff during the 2022 nationwide strike. While academic staff under ASUU have since received payment adjustments, non-teaching staff have been excluded, sparking outrage among SSANU and NASU members. - Unpaid Earned Allowances
The unions allege gross inequality in the distribution of earned allowances, with the lion’s share going to teaching staff. They insist that the ₦50 billion released by the government did not fairly benefit non-academic workers. - Failure to Review the 2009 Agreement
For over 15 years, the government has delayed renegotiation of the 2009 SSANU/NASU agreement, despite repeated commitments to revisit it. The unions are demanding immediate action. - Non-remittance of Third-Party Deductions
Pension deductions, cooperative contributions, and union dues have reportedly been deducted but not remitted, leaving many staff unable to access benefits from their respective cooperatives. - Poor Welfare and Working Conditions
Many non-academic staff in public universities continue to work under difficult conditions, lacking adequate incentives, promotion opportunities, and fair recognition compared to their academic counterparts.
Union Leaders Speak
During the UNN protest, the SSANU Chairman, Mr. Emeka Ugwu, stated that the demonstration was just a warning signal to the Federal Government.
“We have been patient for too long. The government must honour the 2009 agreement, pay our withheld salaries, and address the injustices in earned allowance disbursement. If this warning is ignored, we will proceed on an indefinite strike that will shut down all universities nationwide,” Ugwu said.
Similarly, NASU Branch Chairman, Mrs. Ifeoma Ude, condemned the government’s neglect of non-teaching workers.
“We are the backbone of the university system. Without us, administrative and maintenance operations cannot function. Yet, we are treated as second-class workers,” she lamented.
Impact on the University Community
The protest’s immediate effect was the paralysis of administrative and financial operations at UNN. Students were unable to process documents such as transcripts, admission letters, and registration forms. Offices like the Bursary Department, Registry, and Vice-Chancellor’s office were reportedly locked.
Academic activities continued in some faculties, but sources said if the protest escalates into a full strike, lectures, exams, and laboratory sessions could also be disrupted.
For students and parents, this development raises familiar fears: academic calendar instability, delayed graduations, and increased uncertainty within Nigeria’s public tertiary education system.
Nationwide Solidarity: Other Universities Join In
The UNN protest is part of a national chain reaction. Similar demonstrations took place across public universities including:
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- Federal University of Technology (FUTA)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
In each of these institutions, SSANU and NASU members jointly marched through campuses, chanting solidarity songs and demanding justice from the Federal Government.
Federal Government’s Response
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment have not issued a formal statement addressing the latest protest.
However, government sources hinted that a meeting with union leaders is being planned to avert a total shutdown of universities.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had earlier appealed for patience, assuring that the government was working on resolving all outstanding issues. But union officials maintain that “promises without action” are no longer acceptable.
Potential Consequences if the Strike Escalates
If the Federal Government fails to address the unions’ demands, the following scenarios are likely:
- Total Shutdown of Public Universities
A full-blown SSANU/NASU strike would halt both teaching and non-teaching activities nationwide. - Academic Calendar Disruption
Ongoing academic sessions could be delayed, affecting final-year projects, examinations, and convocation ceremonies. - Increased Tension Among University Staff
The disparity in treatment between academic and non-academic staff could deepen mistrust and weaken the spirit of collaboration on campuses. - Loss of Confidence in Public Education
Frequent industrial crises may further push students toward private universities or foreign institutions, weakening Nigeria’s public education system.
Public Reactions
Students, parents, and education stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. While some sympathize with the workers’ plight, others urge the unions to consider the disruptive impact on students who have already endured multiple strikes in recent years.
Civil society groups, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), have called on the Federal Government to prioritize dialogue and transparency in dealing with university unions.
Conclusion
The SSANU and NASU protest at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is not merely about unpaid salaries—it reflects a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s higher education management system.
Until the Federal Government takes concrete steps to address longstanding agreements and welfare demands, the cycle of strikes and protests in the education sector will persist.
The nation’s universities need stability, transparency, and genuine engagement between unions and the government to restore public confidence in tertiary education.
