In a bold move underscoring persistent staff welfare challenges in Nigerian universities, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Associated and Educational Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, has declared an indefinite strike. This action comes after management's prolonged failure to address critical welfare issues affecting thousands of university staff.
According to Comrade Shishi Luper, Chairman of JAC-MOAUM, the decision followed the expiry of three ultimatums given to the university management to fulfill welfare arrears and salary adjustments. Key grievances include non-payment of welfare arrears, the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, the stalled 25/35% salary increase, unpaid promotion increments for staff promoted within the last three years, unsettled gratuities, pension irregularities, and halted monthly contributions to the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The emergency congress that sparked the strike declaration saw the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ubwa, and the Registrar, Mr. Barnabas Hemba, plead for a reprieve, requesting until the end of September to tackle the issues. However, the overwhelming consensus among union members was for immediate withdrawal of service, reflecting deep frustration over unresolved financial hardships faced by staff.
All union members have been directed to cease work and remain off campus until their demands are fully met, signaling a critical impasse at the institution that could affect academic activities and campus operations moving forward.
This industrial action highlights the ongoing struggle for improved welfare conditions within Nigerian tertiary institutions and calls attention to the urgent need for responsive management practices to sustain industrial harmony and staff well-being in higher education.