Despite the indefinite strike declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), academic activities have continued uninterrupted at Rev. Father Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM).
The industrial action, which began on May 1, 2026, stems from unresolved welfare concerns, poor working conditions, and the Federal Government’s failure to renegotiate and implement agreements dating back to 2009.
A visit by The Voice Education Correspondent to MOAUM revealed a campus still active with academic engagement, as students were seen writing examinations and studying in preparation for their papers. However, administrative offices operated by non-academic staff remained locked, reflecting partial compliance with the strike directive.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of JAC SSANU/NASU at MOAUM, Comrade Luper Shishi, explained that the strike followed the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the government.
“We embarked on this strike on May 1 to press home our demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement,” he said.
Shishi expressed concern over the government’s slow response, noting that the agreement, which was due for review three years after it was signed, has lingered without resolution for over a decade.
“Over the years, several committees have been set up, yet no concrete outcome has been achieved,” he added.
He emphasized that the strike is “indefinite, total, and comprehensive,” and warned that strict compliance is being enforced nationwide.
“There is a national monitoring team in place, and any branch that fails to adhere to the strike directive will face sanctions ranging from dissolution of its executive to suspension from the union,” he stated.
On the level of compliance, Shishi disclosed that the unions have recorded about 99 percent adherence, making monitoring relatively seamless.
Similarly, Chairman of JAC at JOSTUM, Comrade Moses Girgir, described the strike as inevitable after repeated but unsuccessful attempts to engage the government.
