SSANU, NASU Strike Plunges University of Ibadan into Darkness
The University of Ibadan (UI) is experiencing a blackout due to a strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Ibadan (UI) is facing a blackout as a result of the ongoing strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). The strike, initiated on Monday in compliance with directives from their national bodies, has paralyzed activities at the university.
Mr. Rasak Omisore, Chairman of SSANU at UI, explained that the strike was necessitated by the unions' demands, including the payment of four months' unpaid salaries and increased funding for universities at both federal and state levels. Omisore emphasized the crucial role of adequate funding in fostering meaningful development within the Nigerian education sector.
The impact of the strike is widespread, with most university offices closed and administrative staff not reporting for duty. Despite lectures continuing, the absence of support staff, particularly in the maintenance department, has resulted in a lack of essential services such as electricity and water on campus.
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UI Students' Union, led by President Tobiloba Samuel, has intervened, urging SSANU to prioritize restoring power in the hostels. Samuel emphasized the importance of addressing the unions' demands to ensure an effective academic environment for all members of the university community.
While some students reported attending lectures in alternative venues, such as postgraduate classrooms, the strike's enforcement by union leaders and members has led to the closure of vital university departments, including maintenance, staff school, and postgraduate school. Additionally, several access gates have been closed, causing inconvenience to students who now face longer travel distances within the campus.
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As the strike continues, students and union leaders remain steadfast in their calls for government action to resolve the ongoing dispute and restore normalcy to academic activities at UI.
