Tension On Campus: SSANU, NASU Hand FG Final Ultimatum As Fresh Strike Brews In Universities

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have accused the Federal Government of reneging on its promises and issued a threat to embark on strike by September 22 if their demands remain unmet.

The warning came in the form of a seven-day ultimatum, which took effect on September 15, as communicated by the unions under their Joint Action Committee (JAC).

According to them, despite earlier assurances from the Minister of Education, the government has failed to address their grievances.

In a letter addressed to the minister and titled: “Re: Call for urgent intervention in outstanding labour matters affecting NASU and SSANU members in the Universities and Inter-University centres,” the unions accused the government of treating non-teaching staff with disregard.

Their grievances include the non-renegotiation of the 2009 Agreements, the exclusion of inter-university centres from the disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances, and the failure to pay two months’ withheld salaries.

The JAC insisted that unless their concerns are addressed, public universities across the country will be shut down starting September 22.

The letter, dated September 12, 2025, was signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters A. Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.

They recalled that their June 18, 2025 letter had prompted a meeting with the Minister of Education on July 4, 2025, during which it was agreed that a tripartite committee — comprising representatives of the ministry, the National Universities Commission, and the JAC — would be set up to resolve the dispute over the skewed sharing of the ₦50 billion allowance, which shortchanged university staff and completely excluded inter-university centres.

While discussions on withheld salaries were inconclusive, the minister had reportedly pledged to take steps to expedite the payment of the 25/35% salary increment arrears owed members.

The unions further disclosed that despite reminders, including a follow-up letter on August 18, 2025, the government has remained silent, thereby worsening the frustration of non-teaching staff.

They warned: “Given the government’s failure to act on these outstanding issues, and in view of its continued neglect of our legitimate demands, we hereby issue a formal seven-day notice effective from Monday, September 15, 2025. Failure to address these concerns will leave NASU and SSANU with no option but to embark on industrial action, including strike, to press home our demands.”