The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is planning a protest on Tuesday because they believe going on strike is the only way to get the federal government’s attention.
In a conversation on Channels TV’s Politics Today, SSANU’s National President, Makolo Hassan, explained that the union might have reconsidered their protest if the government had paid them the four months of withheld salaries.
Hassan mentioned that the union members are very upset as they are struggling financially during these tough economic times in Nigeria.
“When we stop working, there will be no electricity, no water, and many services will stop functioning. We have tried hard to prevent this, but it appears that strikes are the only thing the government listens to. This is why we are planning to protest first and see the outcome. We understand this will have a negative impact on the university system.
“Our members are suffering. They are poor and hungry. The cost of living is very high in the country. The main thing we are asking for is the four months of unpaid salaries.
“If, after this interview, our members start receiving their salary alerts, we can reconsider our actions. But there are other issues too, such as renegotiating the agreement for the N50 billion payment and problems with the IPPS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System).
“While the IPPS issues seem to be somewhat resolved, they are not entirely fixed. However, if the four months’ salaries are paid, the situation will definitely improve,” he explained.
