University of Ilorin Non-Academic Staff Join Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Salaries

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the University of Ilorin have officially joined the nationwide indefinite strike declared by their national bodies. The decision to strike was made during separate congresses held on Tuesday at the university’s main campus in Ilorin.

In a phone conversation with Jjournalists, Zubair Haruna Ibrahim, Chairman of NASU, emphasized the seriousness of the strike, stating, “It is an indefinite strike action, and until our demands are met, we will not report for work.” He expressed frustration over the Federal Government's failure to pay their four months’ withheld salaries, noting, “Despite the government’s order to pay us, we have not received anything, even as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been paid 50 percent of their own withheld salaries.”

As a result of the strike, administrative activities on the campus have come to a standstill, with essential services severely affected due to the absence of union members.

Falowo Olushola, the branch Chairman of SSANU, echoed the sentiments of his NASU counterpart, asserting, “Until we are paid, we will continue with the strike action.” He criticized the prolonged delay, stating, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered our payment last year, yet it remains with the Accountant-General of the Federation.” He highlighted the attempts made to resolve the issue, mentioning their communication with the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office, all of which have yielded no results.

“We have no other option than to down tools to press home our demands,” Olushola concluded, indicating the unions’ determination to continue the strike until their grievances are addressed.