Benue varsity joins SSANU, NASU strike

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Joseph Sawuan Tarka University Makurdi, formerly known as Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, has joined the nationwide strike called by the unions.

The decision to embark on the seven-day warning strike was made after an emergency congress held on Monday, March 18, 2024.

In a letter jointly signed by Kpamor Ruth and Saa Girgi Moses, the unions expressed disappointment over the failure of the government to address their demands.

The letter stated, “JAC waited patiently till the expiration of the ultimatum without positive response to the demands of the unions.

“Consequently, JAC directed her members in the universities and inter-university centres nationwide to commence a seven-day warning strike effective Monday, 18th March, 2024 in the first instance.”

In a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university tagged, “Commencement of A-7 Day JAC Nationwide Warning Strike,” the unions craved the indulgence of the university management to understand with SSANU and NASU JOSTUM Branch as they embark on the warning strike.

The unions stated some of the issues driving the strike to 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 its agreements with the unions, especially regarding withheld salaries and funding of institutions.

Omemu expressed concern over the government’s actions, stating, “When they withheld ASUU salary and ours, many people died because of the economic situation.”

He warned that if the Federal Government fails to address their demands, the unions will proceed on an indefinite strike after the seven-day warning strike.