The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) is demanding the release of four months' withheld salaries by the Federal Government. NASU has threatened to strike if the salaries are not paid, accusing the government of favoritism towards the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has already received four months' worth of withheld salaries out of eight owed.
The Joint Action Committee, comprising NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government. If the salaries are not released within this period, the unions will proceed with their strike action. The ultimatum was communicated in a letter signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi.
NASU's grievance stems from the disparity in treatment between academic and non-academic staff. While ASUU members have received partial payment, NASU members are still awaiting theirs. Adeyemi warned of dire consequences if the salaries are not paid promptly, indicating that NASU may have no choice but to strike within a week if the government fails to act.
Despite appreciating the government's initial commitment to pay the salaries, NASU is adamant that the issue needs urgent resolution. Adeyemi emphasized that the union has followed due process in its actions and has exhausted all official channels. NASU is urging President Bola Tinubu's administration to intervene and direct the immediate payment of the withheld salaries to avert a potential shutdown of activities.
