Total paralysis in Nigeria's varsities as JAC mulls strike

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Nigerian Universities have threatened to resume its nationwide strike if the 2009 agreements reached between it and the Federal Government were not addressed.

The committee on Friday at a news conference in Abuja said it would resume the strike anytime from now over the breach in the implementation of the agreements.

The JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU).

Mrs Ladi Illiya, National President of NASU, who spoke on behalf of the unions, said that the JAC met on Thursday and resolved to inform the public of developments in the unions.

Illiya said the unions were demanding from the Federal Government payment of the Earned Allowance owed its members. They also want the government to address the NEEDS Assessment Report on the university education and funding of the universities.

She said the unions had delayed the strike following the intervention of the House of Representatives which advised the Federal Government to raise a supplementary budget to cover the payment of the allowances.

Illiya stressed that unfortunately, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, who was handling the issue, was removed and the union started the process all over again.

“The three non teaching staff unions are not unmindful of the negative opinion of the Nigerian public on the past frequent strike actions in the public universities.

“However, it appears as if government is taking our understanding for granted thereby putting us under unbearable pressure from our members whose patience is fast running out.

“We would like you to know that strike is not what we want to glorify but when we go on this strike, there will be complete close down of all activities in the universities.

“The suspended strike needs no notice of resumption so it can be this night, tomorrow or next, but be sure that we shall not give any notice again,’’ Illiya said.

The unions appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, as a matter of urgency, to prevail on government to address all the burning issues within the shortest time.

ASUU, the Academic Staff Union of Universities are already on strike.