As Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (ATBU) students entered the second week of their end-of-first-semester examinations, a one-week warning strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has disrupted all computer-based tests and examinations in the university.
Both groups initiated the strike today to emphasize their demands, leaving many students scheduled for CBT exams in uncertainty.
A student from the Department of Biology Education expressed frustration, stating, “We prepared for the CBT exam at Yelwa Campus, only to find out it was suspended with no prior notice. It’s a significant setback for us academically.”
NASU ATBU branch Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Dan’azumi Yusuf, justified the strike, citing the government’s perceived unfair treatment compared to ASUU counterparts.
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He said while ASUU received payment for four months of withheld salaries, NASU and SSANU were left out, despite repeated promises.
Comrade Yusuf added, “We suspended our strike in good faith, but the government hasn’t reciprocated. We even allowed key management staff to work during the strike, showing understanding, but it wasn’t acknowledged.”
SSANU Chairman, Comrade Sulisma Jatau, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the strike followed an unsuccessful seven-day ultimatum to address their concerns.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu had directed the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, questioning the delay.
In response, the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Zailani Bappa, clarified that the one-week warning strike only impacted CBT exams, with pen and paper exams proceeding as scheduled.
