The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreements and dissatisfaction with a proposed 30 per cent salary increase for non-teaching staff.
The industrial action, which took effect from midnight on May 1, 2026, is expected to disrupt activities across universities and inter-university centres nationwide, as non-academic staff withdraw their services.
In a directive issued to branch chairmen across institutions, the unions expressed concern over what they described as the slow pace of negotiations, warning that failure to meet their demands by the April 30 deadline would leave them with no option but to proceed with a strike.
The circular, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, underscored the resolve of the unions to press ahead with the action following consultations with members.
Leaders of the Joint Action Committee of both unions disclosed that a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, and other key stakeholders failed to yield a new offer beyond the 30 per cent Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure adjustment currently under consideration.
According to the unions, although government representatives appealed for a reconsideration of the strike notice, there was no firm commitment on a timeline for concluding the renegotiation process.
The unions maintain that only the full approval of their demands, as contained in their recent submissions to the government, would be acceptable to their members.
They have therefore directed all members to embark on what they described as a “total and comprehensive” withdrawal of services, urging strict compliance across all affected institutions.
