By Uzair Adam
The strike initiated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of university non-teaching staff unions has shown little effect on Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where daily activities continue as usual, and essential facilities remain accessible.
The Daily Reality observed that locations expected to be affected by the strike, such as the university’s main library and hospital, were fully operational.
Students were actively studying in the library, while the hospital staff continued to provide medical care.
University staff activities were also observed at the Student Affairs Office, suggesting minimal disruption from the strike.
The JAC, which includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), had issued a circular on Sunday instructing members to begin an indefinite strike.
The circular, signed by NASU’s General Secretary Mr. Peters Adeyemi and SSANU’s President Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim, cited four months of unpaid salaries as the reason for the action.
The announcement raised concerns that the strike could significantly affect university operations, with some anticipating solidarity actions from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
However, campus activities continue, and some students have even been able to sit for exams as scheduled.
Malam Nura Garba, SSANU’s Secretary, explained that the strike impacts only NASU and SSANU members, affecting administrative, hospital, and library operations. Nevertheless, these services remain accessible.
NASU Chairman Abdullahi Nasiru clarified that the delay in shutting down facilities stemmed from a late directive issued on Sunday.
“We are holding a meeting today, and the facilities currently open will soon be shut down,” he said.
Nasiru emphasized that while the strike is intended to be “total, comprehensive, and indefinite,” the union needed official clearance from the national headquarters before proceeding.
Students who spoke with our reporter confirmed they encountered no issues accessing the hospital and library facilities, despite the ongoing strike.