Total Shutdown of Universities Looms as NASU, SSANU Threatens Strike, Gives Red Alert

A total shutdown of universities in the country is looming following the decision of three university – based unions to issue a fresh strike notice to the Federal Government over non-implementation of signed agreements.

The three university- based unions’ threat is coming barely 13 days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities declared a one month warning strike which has crippled academic activities in universities nationwide.

The university – based unions include: the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

The JAC of NASU and SSANU said at its meeting on 24 February 2022, that it had reviewed the status of the Memorandum of Understanding reached with the Federal Government following its industrial action of January and February 2021.

While the university technologists have given the Federal Government between February 28 and March 14 to implement its demands, the Joint Action Committee comprising SSANU and NASU have put its members on “red alert” over a possible strike.

The JAC of NASU and SSANU said it could no longer guarantee industrial peace in the university system.

But Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said the unions had not officially communicated their intention to embark on strike to his ministry.

He directed the unions to get in touch with their employers – the Federal Ministry of Education on the level of implementation of the MoU.

President of NAAT, Ibeji Nwokoma, told reporters at a briefing on Friday in Abuja that each branch of the union would hold congresses between March 15 and 16 to discuss the response of the federal government to the demands of the union.