By John Umeh
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a one-month deadline to the Federal Government to conclude the ongoing renegotiation of agreements with non-teaching staff unions, warning that failure to meet the timeline could trigger an indefinite nationwide strike.
The decision was reached during the union’s 54th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Ekiti State University, where members reviewed the state of tertiary education, workers’ welfare, and national developments affecting university operations.
In a communiqué signed by SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the union expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of discussions between government representatives and non-teaching staff unions. The council described the prolonged negotiations without concrete outcomes as unacceptable.
According to the union, the Federal Government has from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to finalize and sign the renegotiated agreement. SSANU warned that if the deadline is missed, it would join forces with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to commence a comprehensive and indefinite industrial action.
The union emphasized that its members had shown patience despite delays but noted that continued inaction would leave them with no alternative but to shut down university operations nationwide.
Salary Delays Spark Concern
SSANU also condemned persistent delays in salary payments, promotions, and other entitlements affecting workers in federal and some state universities. The union said these recurring issues had placed staff members under severe financial strain and negatively impacted morale and productivity.
The council called for the immediate settlement of outstanding payments and demanded the introduction of a dependable salary payment system to prevent future delays. It also suggested the adoption of a unified payment platform to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Dispute Over Earned Allowances
The union further criticized the incomplete implementation of the ₦50 billion earned allowances agreed upon in 2022. SSANU noted that some institutions, particularly inter-university centers and research institutes, were excluded from earlier disbursements.
The council insisted that all eligible staff members should be treated fairly and included in future payments without discrimination.
Rising Economic Hardship
SSANU also raised concerns over worsening economic conditions, citing inflation and the rising cost of living as factors eroding workers’ purchasing power. The union urged the Federal Government to introduce relief measures, including wage adjustments and other interventions, to cushion the effects of economic hardship on university employees.
Funding and Infrastructure Challenges
The union highlighted the persistent funding challenges facing Nigerian universities, noting that inadequate resources have contributed to deteriorating infrastructure and weakened research and administrative capacity.
SSANU called on authorities to prioritize education funding and ensure transparency in resource allocation to public universities.
Security Concerns Raised
The council also expressed concern over growing insecurity across the country, including threats affecting university campuses. It urged government authorities and university management to strengthen campus security measures to protect lives and property.
Final Warning
SSANU reiterated its demands, including the immediate resumption of negotiations, settlement of outstanding payments, fair distribution of allowances, and improved dialogue between government and university unions.
The union warned that continued delays could lead to decisive action, stressing that members are prepared to defend their rights and welfare if necessary.
With the deadline now set, attention turns to the Federal Government’s next move as the possibility of another nationwide university shutdown looms.
