Dutse, Nigeria -The air was thick with chants and the sound of protest as members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and other Allied Institutions (NASU) gathered at the Federal University Dutse (FUD) on Tuesday. Their collective voices echoed through the campus, decrying the Federal Government’s decision to withhold their salaries for the past four months.
The protest, a vivid display of frustration and solidarity, brought the university’s operations to a halt. Comrade Alasan Abdullahi, NASU Chairman at FUD, stood at the forefront of the demonstration, articulating the unions’ grievances with palpable dismay.
Are We Not All University Staff?
“We are protesting to show our concern over the Federal Government’s selective payment to ASUU, leaving out other union members,” Abdullahi declared, his voice carrying the weight of the unions’ collective discontent. “Are we not all university staff?”
The heart of the issue lies in what the unions perceive as a glaring inequity: the Federal Government’s decision to pay four months’ withheld salaries to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) while neglecting the non-academic staff. This move, they argue, undermines the unity and morale of the entire university workforce.
The withheld salaries have left many non-academic staff struggling to make ends meet, exacerbating existing financial hardships. For many, the protest is not just about money, but about dignity and fairness.
A Warning of Escalation
Abdullahi made it clear that the protest was only the beginning. If the government does not respond to their demands, the unions are prepared to escalate their actions. “We will proceed with a warning strike if necessary,” he warned, a statement met with cheers and applause from the gathered crowd.
The protest at FUD is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, universities are witnessing similar demonstrations as the union leadership has instructed chapters nationwide to begin sensitization activities and organize campus protests. The movement is gaining momentum, with the unions calling for a nationwide campus protest on Tuesday, July 9.
Unresolved Issues After Meeting
The unions’ frustration was further compounded by the outcome of a recent meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education. Held on Thursday, the meeting ended without a clear commitment to paying the withheld salaries or resolving other pending issues. The lack of resolution has only served to deepen the unions’ resolve.
In the interim, the unions have initiated a series of sensitization activities aimed at educating their members and the public about the ongoing issues. These activities, scheduled to commence on Monday, July 8, are designed to build support and prepare for potential further actions.
Voices from the Ground
Speaking to some of the protesters at FUD, the sentiment was one of unity and determination. Maryam Bello, a member of NASU, expressed her frustration: “We are all in this together. We work hard to keep the university running smoothly, and we deserve to be treated with respect. This selective payment is an insult to our commitment and dedication.”
Another protester, John Chukwu, emphasized the financial strain the unpaid salaries have placed on his family. “Four months without pay is too much. I have children to feed, school fees to pay, and bills piling up. This protest is our way of telling the government that we cannot continue like this,” he said, his voice tinged with desperation.
The protest at FUD is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of fair treatment. As the unions gear up for further protests and potential strikes, the message to the Federal Government is clear: the voices of the non-academic staff cannot be ignored.
