The main gates of the University of Ibadan (UI) were shut yesterday as members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) joined a nationwide industrial action. The protest stems from the delayed renegotiation and implementation of a 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.
Peaceful Protest Disrupts Access
The peaceful protest disrupted access to Nigeria's premier university, leaving students, staff members, and visitors stranded outside the campus. Workers gathered at the entrance, expressing dissatisfaction over the prolonged government delay in addressing welfare issues, salary arrears, and conditions of service.
Chairman of NASU, University of Ibadan branch, Oluwafemi-Michael Ogunlade, stated that the industrial action followed years of unresolved negotiations and repeated assurances that were not implemented. He noted that the unions had issued several ultimatum notices, warning that continued delay was affecting staff welfare and the effective functioning of the university system.
Call for Government Intervention
Ogunlade added that members were compelled to take action after exhausting all dialogue avenues, stressing that the unions remain open to meaningful engagement with the Federal Government. The protesting workers, joined by SSANU members, called for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption to academic and administrative activities across public universities. They urged the government to expedite action on the pending agreement, warning that sustained delay could strain operations.
Activities Paralysed at ABU Zaria
At Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the strike action paralysed academic and administrative activities. Key facilities, including the Senate Building, the university library, and the sickbay, were locked. The Works and Estate Department was shut down, disrupting water and electricity supply across the institution.
Chairman of SSANU, ABU branch, Shuaibu-Ahmed Halilu, speaking during a peaceful protest at the main campus, confirmed that the action followed a directive from the national body.
Disruption at UNILORIN
Similarly, activities at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) were disrupted yesterday as non-teaching staff unions continued their nationwide indefinite strike. They insist on a 45 per cent salary increase and full implementation of the 2009 agreement.
Chairman of SSANU, UNILORIN chapter, Falowo Olushola, said the unions rejected the Federal Government's earlier 30 per cent salary proposal, describing it as unacceptable.
