The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu campus, experienced a major disruption on Thursday as non-teaching staff staged a massive protest, effectively paralyzing administrative activities. The demonstration, led by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational Associated Institutions (NASU), highlighted pressing demands for the federal government to honor agreements and settle withheld salaries. This action serves as a critical warning shot, with the unions threatening a nationwide, comprehensive strike that could bring all public universities in Nigeria to a standstill if their grievances are not addressed.
- Non-teaching staff of UNN Enugu protested.
- Demands include payment of withheld salaries and honoring of the 2009 agreement.
- Protest was a national directive from SSANU/NASU leadership.
- Unions warn of total shutdown of public universities if demands aren’t met.
- Specific grievances include unpaid earned allowances and withheld salary arrears from a 2022 strike.
University Operations Grind to a Halt
Academic and administrative functions at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), were thrown into disarray on Thursday as members of SSANU and NASU took to the streets. The protest, a unified front by the non-teaching staff, saw members marching around the institution, their voices raised in song and their hands holding placards filled with grievances. These weren’t just random complaints; they were pointed demands directed at the federal government, echoing years of unmet promises. The air was thick with frustration, as solidarity songs mixed with the rustling of green leaves, a symbol of their continued struggle.
Placards Speak Louder Than Words
The messages on the placards were stark and unyielding. Slogans like “FGN honour the 2009 agreement now” and “Enough is enough, pay our withheld salary” clearly articulated the core issues. The staff emphasized that they are demanding what is rightfully theirs, with inscriptions such as “SSANU/NASU united, we demand what is our right”. The frustration with governmental inaction was palpable, as seen in statements like “FG enough of your empty promises since 2009” and “Justice delayed is justice denied”. Many lamented their inability to provide for their families due to the government’s outstanding payments, with one poignant message stating, “We can longer take care of our families because government is owing us”.
A Last Warning to the Government
Comrade Eric Eze, the NASU chairman for the UNEC branch, briefed newsmen, explaining the significance of the protest. He confirmed that this action was in direct response to the national leaderships’ directive, targeting all non-teaching staff in public universities across Nigeria. “The national JAC at its meeting held on Monday October 6, directed all branch leadership in universities and inter university centres throughout the country to carry out this one day protest on Thursday as last warning to government,” Eze stated.
The Threat of a Nationwide Strike
The unions made it clear that this protest is a final notice. Comrade Eze urged Nigerians, especially parents who are stakeholders in the education sector, to intervene and impress upon the government the urgency of their demands. He issued a stern warning: “if the nationwide indefinite strike starts it will be total and comprehensive as SSANU/NASU will shutdown public universities in the country.” This implies a complete cessation of all academic and non-academic activities in federal universities, a scenario that would have far-reaching consequences for the Nigerian education system.
A History of Unfulfilled Agreements
The current protest is rooted in past agreements and payments. Comrade Eze recalled the national strike of 2019, following which the federal government disbursed N50 billion as earned allowances. While the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reportedly received their share, members of SSANU and NASU claim they were not paid. “The non teaching staff were not happy and called on the federal government to ” do the right thing by giving us our dues for those omitted”,” he explained. This historical grievance adds another layer to the current standoff.
The Issue of Withheld Salaries
Comrade Samuel Okoh, the UNEC Chapter Chairman of SSANU, shed light on the immediate cause of the current unrest. He explained that the unpaid salaries currently being protested stem from a two-month backlog. This, he elaborated, is a direct consequence of a 2022 strike action where the federal government initially withheld four months’ salary. Although an agreement was reached to call off that strike, the government only paid for two months, leaving the remaining two months unpaid as a form of ‘punishment’ for the workers. Furthermore, Okoh highlighted that a demand for 25 percent salary arrears, which was part of the strike’s resolution, also remains unaddressed, despite being allocated in the budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Solidarity from National Leadership
The protest received strong backing from the national leadership. Comrade Okay Animba, the National Vice President of SSANU for the Southeast zone, addressed journalists, reinforcing the peaceful and lawful nature of the demonstration. He clarified that the primary objective was not to disrupt academic activities but to “speak truth to power and press for our legitimate demands.” Animba assured the public that the unions would not be swayed by mere promises that are consistently broken. The struggle, he stressed, is vital for the future generation and for ensuring the delivery of quality education in Nigeria.
Supporting the Cause
The unions are calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their support to their cause. They believe that securing their rightful dues is not just about their own welfare but about safeguarding the integrity and functionality of the nation’s public universities. The potential shutdown of these institutions would undoubtedly impact thousands of students and the broader educational landscape, making their demands a matter of national importance.
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