SSANU threatens nationwide university strike from May if 2009 deal not concluded by April 30
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a final ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of its 2009 agreement by April 30, 2026. The warning follows the union's 54th National Executive Council meeting in Ekiti State and was signed by National President Muhammad Ibrahim. SSANU cited the government's slow pace and lack of firm timelines in negotiations with non-teaching unions as primary grievances. The union also highlighted persistent delays in salary payments and the non-implementation of wage increments, causing economic hardship for members. It called for immediate settlement of all outstanding salaries and recommended a unified salary payment system via Remita for transparency. Should the government miss the April 30 deadline, SSANU will collaborate with the Joint Action Committee (JAC)—including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions—to commence an indefinite industrial action across all universities nationwide.
This matters because an indefinite strike would disrupt academic calendars, administrative services, and research activities in federal, state, and some private universities, affecting millions of students and staff. The conflict centers on long-standing unmet agreements on welfare, salaries, and working conditions for non-teaching staff, who form a critical part of university operations. Past delays in implementing agreements have led to similar threats and actions, creating instability in the education sector.
University staff and students should prepare for potential shutdowns starting early May if negotiations collapse. Monitor official SSANU communications and government responses closely through April. Students may need to consider alternative academic plans, while staff should verify the status of any pending salary arrears and understand the proposed Remita payment system before any industrial action begins.