SSANU and NASU South East Embark on Protest, Brief Press on Grievances
By Chiekezie Emmanuel Ezesinachi
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities(SSANU) and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated institutions ( NASU) South East Zone began its protest today 9th October, after a press briefing at Enugu.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities South East National Vice President, Engr Comrade Okechukwu Animaba, who briefed Esut Monitor newspaper and other media organizations stated that today’s nationwide protest is not just a demonstration, but is a collective cry for justice, equity, and the dignity of labor. Unfortunately, despite numerous engagements, negotiations, and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the Federal Government continues to treat non-teaching staff in our universities with gross insensitivity and neglect.
This protest is borne out of the government’s persistent failure to pay our two-month withheld salaries, which were unfairly denied following the industrial action, despite a promise of “no work, no pay” being reversed selectively in favor of other unions. Release third-party deductions from the already-paid withheld salaries. These deductions include union dues, cooperative contributions, and other lawful remittances that were deducted but not forwarded, amounting to financial sabotage of our welfare systems. Ensure fairness in the distributions of the Earned Allowance, which continues to favor academic staff at the expense of non-teaching staff who play equally vital roles in the university system. Pay arrears from the salary adjustments, which remain unimplemented, leaving our members in financial despair amidst a worsening economy and inflation. Under funding of our Universities, mostly the State Universities.
He said that Federal Government should conclude the renegotiation of the FGN/SSANU/NASU agreement, which has been on hold for over a decade, a clear sign of the government’s lack of commitment to structured labor relations in the education sector.
Our demands are clear. We demand the immediate and unconditional payment of two-month withheld salaries to all affected members. Remittance of third-party deductions without further delay. Federal Government should release at least billion Naira to be shared by the three non-teaching staff unions to make up for the shortfalls in the previous payment. Payment of all pending salary arrears. Resumption and conclusion of the Agreement renegotiation. No to salary disparity.
He further stated that our position is clear. This protest is peaceful, lawful, and justified. We are not out to disrupt academic activities or create chaos but to speak the truth to power and press home our legitimate demands. We are not out to be silenced, intimidated, or bought off with promises that are never fulfilled.
The union calls on the media, civil society, parents, students, and the Nigerian public to understand and support their cause. This struggle is not just for the present but for the dignity of future workers and the sustainability of quality education in Nigeria. An injury to one is an injury to all. Together, we will not back down until justice is served.
