SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, alongside the Non-academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, threatening to shut down universities nationwide within the next seven days if their demands are not met. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Ibrahim emphasized the dire situation faced by union members and the urgent need for action.
“It’s quite unfortunate. No union member wants to go on strike but when you are pushed to the wall, what would you do? You have to push back,” Ibrahim stated, highlighting the hardship endured by university staff due to the economic downturn. He stressed the essential role of non-teaching staff in university operations and expressed dismay at their treatment by the government.
Recounting previous agreements with the government, Ibrahim recalled the strike action taken in 2022 and subsequent negotiations, which resulted in promises of justice and salary restoration. However, he lamented that while salaries were withheld for non-teaching staff, they were only reinstated for ASUU members, leaving NASU and SSANU members neglected.
“If the issue is addressed within the seven days ultimatum given to the federal government, there would be no need for any industrial action,” Ibrahim affirmed, underscoring the union’s willingness to engage in dialogue but emphasizing the necessity of prompt resolution to prevent further disruption to university activities.
