Upper Nile University gate. (Photo: Courtesy).

Upper Nile University teaching staff on Thursday issued a two-week ultimatum to the national government to pay four months of salary arrears lest the lecturers lay down their tools.

The teaching staff are also requesting their salary arrears for the months of April, May, and June this year.

Adam Thabo, the chairman of Upper Nile University said in a press statement, the delay in their salary payment has made their situation worst at a time of economic hardship.

“The teaching staff of Upper Nile University is asking about the delay of their salaries now we are going for four months starting from August, September, October, and November,” he told Eye Radio.

“We haven’t even received our salaries and you know that the teachers come to class every day without even missing a lesson, because we are derived by the calendar of the university.”

Mr. Thabo further warned that if the demands are not met within the timeframe, they will stage a sit-in strike.

“It means that the teachers are doing their job without payment this also becomes burden to the teachers. The situation of the staff will be deteriorating and it’s going to be worse.”

“This is why we are requesting from the government as a whole and all relevant institution to help us about the pavements.”

In addition, they claim the government owes them ticket allowances for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The University administration issued a letter Thursday and addressed to the National Ministries of Higher Education and Finance.