Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) began an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, shutting down operations at public universities to demand the immediate release of their four-month withheld salaries.

In a joint statement on Sunday, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed frustration with the government's failure to address their grievances despite several ultimatums. They directed members across public universities and inter-university centers to hold joint congresses on Monday, October 28, 2024, and commence a comprehensive strike, emphasizing that no concessions should be made.

The strike has already disrupted administrative activities. At the University of Lagos (UNILAG), an intended Direct-Entry student, shared how the strike affected him and others mentally and financially.

“We went to the Senate building at UNILAG to submit our DE forms, but due to the strike, we couldn’t submit them. I had to wake up at 3 AM and travel from Ibeju-Lekki, which cost a lot in transportation, given the current economic challenges. Other students traveled from outside Lagos only to be stranded,” Emmanuel said.

While he sympathized with the striking workers, he urged both the union and the federal government to resolve the matter quickly.

“I understand the workers' frustration—they haven’t been paid for four months. However, we students are also affected, and I hope the unions and the government can consider our plight. We just want to continue our education.”

The UNILAG branch of NASU also confirmed its participation in the strike, emphasizing their determination. “There’s no going back,” said Comrade Abiodun Olayinka, NASU UNILAG Chairman, criticizing the government for excluding non-academic staff from recent payments.

“The Senate building is now shut, and everything is at a standstill. Students won’t be allowed into lecture rooms until our salaries are paid. Imagine a parent feeding one child and neglecting the others—this is exactly how we feel, emotionally and physically. Our message to the government is simple: pay our salaries immediately," Olayinka said.

He also stressed the need for better funding for universities, adding, “The systems and classrooms are not functioning, and these issues need urgent attention.”

The strike follows a three-week ultimatum issued by SSANU and NASU on September 17, 2023, demanding payment of the withheld salaries. Despite previous warning strikes and protests over an initial eight-month salary delay, the government has not responded. During these strikes, universities were shut down, hostels locked, and electricity cut off, paralyzing academic activities nationwide.