The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to begin the payment of two months’ salaries to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). This payment comes after prolonged negotiations and concerns raised by these unions regarding withheld salaries due to a lengthy strike in 2022.
The announcement follows a memo awaiting approval from President Bola Tinubu, which outlines the compensation plan for various university-based unions. Alongside SSANU and NASU,
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) is expected to receive three months of their withheld salaries, stemming from a collective dissatisfaction with the previous government’s payment policies.
The strike, which was triggered by unresolved issues between the unions and the federal government, saw the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) take to the streets for eight months, while NASU and SSANU remained out of work for four months.
The previous administration’s “No work, no pay” policy had led to significant financial strain on these workers, and many have since voiced their frustrations over what they perceive as selective and discriminatory payment practices.
In October 2023, ASUU members were paid four months’ salary as part of a directive from President Tinubu, who had expressed a desire to avoid strikes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. However, the response from the non-teaching staff unions has been one of dissatisfaction, as they demanded similar treatment, asserting their rights to the withheld salaries.
During a recent meeting between President Tinubu and labor leaders addressing minimum wage concerns, the issue of unpaid salaries for the unions was a prominent topic. The President responded promptly, directing the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and Education to devise a payment plan for the workers.
The Ministry of Education has since submitted a proposal, recommending that SSANU and NASU receive half of the total months withheld, which translates to two months of payment for their four-month strike. This approach mirrors the payment structure established for ASUU, which received compensation based on the duration of their strike.
Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, confirmed that actions have been taken in compliance with the President’s directive. He stated that the proposed payment plan is under review and awaiting final approval from President Tinubu.
While this development is a step towards addressing the grievances of university workers, it raises questions about the broader implications for the Nigerian education sector.
The payment structure may be seen as an attempt to create a semblance of equity among the various unions, yet many believe that it does not fully address the underlying issues that led to the strikes in the first place.
Critics argue that without a comprehensive strategy to resolve the root causes of discontent, merely paying withheld salaries may not be enough to prevent future strikes. The Nigerian education sector has long faced challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of resources, which have contributed to dissatisfaction among educators and staff.
Furthermore, the need for a sustainable framework that ensures prompt payment of salaries and addresses the systemic issues within the tertiary education system cannot be overstated. Stakeholders are calling for more dialogue and collaboration among the government, unions, and educational institutions to foster a more stable and productive academic environment.
While the Federal Government’s decision to pay SSANU and NASU two months of withheld salaries represents progress, it is crucial to continue addressing the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector. Ensuring fair treatment for all unions and implementing long-term solutions will be key to fostering a more harmonious relationship between the government and educational staff.
