The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Joseph Sawuan Tarka University Makurdi, formerly Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, commenced a seven-day warning strike on Monday, March 18, 2024. This decision was made following an emergency congress held by the unions, as observed by a correspondent who visited the university.
In a letter jointly signed by the chairpersons of the unions, Kpamor Ruth and Saa Girgi Moses, it was stated that the strike was initiated due to the lack of a positive response to the demands of the unions, despite patiently waiting until the ultimatum expired. The letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university outlined the commencement of the strike and appealed for understanding from the university management.
Some of the issues cited as reasons for the strike include the renegotiation of the 2009 Federal Government/SSANU agreement, reconstitution of governing councils of universities, payment of four months withheld salaries, release of earned allowances, and improved funding of universities.
Festus Omemu, the Secretary of SSANU, criticized the government for failing to implement agreements with the unions, particularly regarding withheld salaries and funding of institutions. He emphasized the detrimental impact of the government’s actions, highlighting instances where individuals suffered health issues and even died due to economic hardships resulting from withheld salaries.
Omemu warned of the possibility of an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address the grievances raised by the unions. He condemned what he perceived as the government’s disregard for the well-being of university staff and the failure to fulfill its obligations.
