Abuja, Nigeria
Non-academic staff in Nigerian universities have announced a nationwide indefinite strike, citing delays in negotiations with the Federal Government over allowances and welfare issues.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said the strike will begin at midnight on May 1, 2026, following what they described as the government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a fresh offer.
In a letter dated April 30 and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the unions—through NASU General Secretary and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim—said discussions had dragged on without meaningful progress.
They noted that although the government withdrew an earlier circular proposing a 30 percent increase in the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance, no new offer has been presented to replace it.
“While the letter on the withdrawal of the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance is acknowledged, no new offer has been made to supersede the 30 per cent allowances contained in the withdrawn letter,” the unions stated.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions said the slow pace of negotiations did not meet their expectations, despite prior engagements with government representatives.
According to the unions, members had already issued a deadline, directing their leadership to take action if talks were not concluded by April 30.
With that deadline unmet, NASU and SSANU said they had no choice but to proceed with a “total and comprehensive” industrial action.
“With the agreement not concluded as of April 30, 2026, and with no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12:00 am on May 1, 2026,” the letter read.
They also accused the Federal Government of failing to prevent the crisis through effective and timely engagement.
The strike is expected to affect non-academic operations across public universities in Nigeria. NASU and SSANU members play key roles in administrative services, technical support, and campus operations—functions that are critical to the day-to-day running of institutions.
Students and academic activities may experience disruptions if the strike persists, especially in areas requiring administrative coordination.
NASU and SSANU have been in negotiations with the Federal Government over welfare-related issues, particularly allowances for non-teaching staff. The dispute has centred on concerns about delays, lack of updated offers, and perceived imbalance in how benefits are structured.
The withdrawal of the earlier 30 percent allowance proposal did not resolve the underlying concerns, according to the unions.
With the strike now set to begin, attention will turn to whether both parties can return to the negotiating table quickly to prevent prolonged disruption in the university system.
For now, union members across the country are expected to fully comply with the directive starting May 1.