Last Monday, the unions issued a stern warning, threatening to disrupt hostel operations and power supplies in universities nationwide if their demands were not met by today, March 18, 2024.

Muhammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, highlighted the grievances of his members, which include Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, who claim they have not received their 2022 arrears.

In anticipation of the strike, Ibrahim informed The PUNCH on Sunday that both unions were prepared to embark on the nationwide action.

However, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister for Education, expressed ignorance regarding the planned strike by SSANU and NASU. Despite this, Ibrahim confirmed during a recent appearance on Channels Television's Morning Show programme that the strike had commenced as scheduled.

He asserted, "Definitely, it (the strike) has already started. As of today (Monday), all our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services and nothing moves within the administration of any public university in Nigeria and that will be the case for the next seven days until and unless the needful is done."

The SSANU president emphasized that no government representative had officially engaged with the non-academic unions. While some informal contacts have been made, Ibrahim expressed skepticism about the assurances provided, insisting that concrete actions are needed to address their grievances.