The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities has directed its members to proceed on a 14 – day warning strike from today ( Monday ) over alleged inconsistencies in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System , non – payment of the arrears of the national minimum wage and the failure of the government to pay the earned allowances .

The union also hinged its decision on the non – payment of retirement benefits to its members , lack of seriousness and delay by the government in the re – negotiation of the 2009 SSANU /Federal Government Agreement .

The SSANU, in a statement by its President , Samson Ugwoke , explained that the strike was a prelude to a full – blown, indefinite industrial action if the grievances were not addressed by the government .

It alleged usurpation of the headship of the non – teaching units by academic staff members “ in clear violation of conditions of service and establishment procedures , ” corruption in the university system and non -constitution of visitation panels for the universities in line with the laws and neglect and poor funding of state universities .

The statement said , “Following the recent directives from the National Universities Commission to Vice -Chancellors for the immediate resumption/ safe reopening of universities , you are hereby directed to commence a 14 – day warning strike effective from October 5 to 19 , 2020 . ”

The Joint Action Committee , comprising SSANU and the Non -Academic Staff Unions of Universities and Associated Institutions, had earlier written to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige , over the contentious issues and their intention to embark on strike immediately the universities reopened to press home their demands .

The letter , dated June 1 , 2020 , and signed by the Chairman of JAC and President of SSANU, Ugwoke and the General Secretary of NASU , Peters Adeyemi , urged the minister to act fast to avert the impending strike.

Punch