Breaking: FG In Emergency Talks As Fresh University Strike Threat Rocks Nigeria

The Federal Government has summoned the leadership of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions to a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a move aimed at preventing a possible nationwide strike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The meeting comes amid growing tension over a proposed 30 percent salary increase for non-academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, a development that has sparked strong opposition from the unions. Sources familiar with the matter told Punch that official invitations had already been sent to union leaders.

According to a source, while the unions are prepared to attend the meeting and listen to the government’s position, their ultimatum remains in force.

The disagreement followed a directive from the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announcing the salary adjustment for non-academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The directive was reportedly communicated to relevant regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission.

However, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU rejected the proposal, describing it as unacceptable and arguing that it did not emerge from the established collective bargaining process. In a letter signed by union leaders Peters A. Adeyemi and Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions insisted no agreement had been reached to justify the salary award and demanded the withdrawal of the circular.

They warned that failure to reverse the move could lead to industrial action and maintained they would not accept any salary adjustment outside the ongoing negotiations.

Negotiations between the government and university unions are currently being handled by a committee chaired by Yayale Ahmed, but the unions insist talks are still ongoing and no final agreement has been reached.

The standoff comes shortly after a reported 40 percent salary increase for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, a development that has added to concerns among non-academic staff.