The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU) have threatened to shut down higher institutions in Nigeria if the federal government fails to approve their demands. In a recent interview with Channels TV, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim stated that the unions have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to meet their demands, and if this is not done, universities across the country will be closed.

Ibrahim emphasized that both unions will go on strike if the government fails to act within the given time frame. He explained that the non-teaching staff members are responsible for a range of tasks, including security, administration, medical services, hostels, and electricity. As a result, if their members go on strike, no university in Nigeria can function.

Ibrahim expressed regret that the unions had to take such a drastic step, but added that there was no alternative. He noted that the economic situation in Nigeria is dire, and that many universities are located far from townships, making it difficult for members to commute to work due to fuel shortages and food scarcity.

Ibrahim also spoke about the unions’ grievances. He stated that it was unacceptable for the non-teaching staff to be treated with disdain, considering their importance to the running of universities. He added that in 2022, all the university-based unions went on strike, and that NASU and SSANU called off their strike on August 27th after an agreement was reached with the then Minister of Education, Mal Adamu Adamu.

However, Ibrahim lamented that the government stopped the salaries of all non-teaching staff in May and only restored them in September of the same year. He also pointed out that the government paid the withheld salaries of only ASUU members, while ignoring the salaries of NASU and SSANU members.