The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, has embarked on an indefinite strike following the non-payment of members’ welfare arrears.

The unions said the decision was necessitated by what they described as “prolonged and unjustifiable delays” in fulfilling their entitlements, which have plunged many workers into financial hardship.

The resolution to down tools was reached on Tuesday during an emergency congress, after the university management allegedly failed to implement the new national minimum wage, the approved 25/35 per cent salary increase, and the settlement of outstanding arrears.

Their additional demands include the release of promotion benefits for staff elevated between 2022 and 2024, payment of gratuities, regular settlement of pensions with arrears, and restoration of monthly remittances to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

JAC chairman, Comrade Shishi Luper, who presided over the meeting, explained that the unions had exhausted three separate ultimatums before resorting to strike action.

“The patience of our members has been overstretched, despite the severe hardship they face due to the management’s refusal to address welfare concerns,” he stated.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ubwa, and the Registrar, Mr. Barnabas Hemba, attended the congress, urging members to allow more time. Ubwa pleaded for an extension until the end of September to resolve the issues. However, when subjected to a vote, the majority opted for an immediate strike.

Following the decision, JAC directed all members to withdraw their services and stay away from work until all outstanding demands are met.