Union Leadership Moves Towards Strike Suspension
The leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU) has officially instructed its chapters to initiate the necessary actions to suspend the ongoing strike effective May 11, 2026.
Resolution Reached Amidst Ongoing Discussions
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing non-teaching staff at public universities in Nigeria has decided to end the current national strike, following a series of meetings with the federal government to address lingering issues. A primary focus has been the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and other welfare-related concerns.
Stalemate Leads to Further Conversations
A meeting on Monday between federal government officials and leaders of SSANU and NASU ended without resolution, prompting plans for another discussion on Tuesday to continue negotiations.
Government Assurances Prompt Action from Union
In a memo circulated to branch leaders on Wednesday, the JAC announced that it had received assurances from the federal government regarding the completion of all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks following the strike suspension.
Leadership Highlights Meeting Outcomes
The circular, co-signed by SSANU Chairman Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, emphasized that these developments were the result of a significant meeting with the Federal Government’s Enlarged Renegotiation Committee, chaired by former Federal Government Civil Service Director Yaair Ahmed.
Commitment to Resolve Issues Quickly
The JAC stated that the federal government noted further revisions of the previous proposal would require President Bola Tinubu’s approval. The leadership expressed that there had been compelling appeals to end the ongoing strike, and they secured a commitment from the Enlarged Renegotiation Committee to complete all discussions, including the review of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) proposal, within a two-week timeframe.
Next Steps for Union Chambers
Union chapter leaders are encouraged to hold a council meeting to update members and ratify the decision to suspend the strike. They have been urged to convene Parliament to communicate the suspension effective May 11, 2026, while other engagements with relevant stakeholders continue.
Pay Increase Discussion Continues
The unions indicated that discussions also include a proposed 30 percent pay increase under a previously retracted integrated higher education pay scheme. SSANU and NASU expressed gratitude to members for their dedication to the strike and lauded the solidarity displayed nationwide.
Impact of Strike on University Operations
The strike, which began on May 1, 2026, was initiated in response to the federal government’s delays in finalizing the renegotiation of a 2009 agreement concerning salaries, benefits, and working conditions for non-academic staff at universities and inter-university centers. Reports have indicated that this industrial action led to significant disruption in administrative operations at public universities, causing delays in exams and impacting essential services such as on-campus medical care and student registration.
