SSANU Threatens Indefinite Strike, Sets Deadline for Federal Government

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude the long-delayed renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with non-teaching unions, warning that failure to act could trigger a nationwide indefinite strike. The warning followed the union’s 54th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Ekiti State University, where members expressed frustration over the “slow pace and inconclusive nature” of ongoing discussions. SSANU stated that prolonged delays have eroded trust and intensified tensions across the university system. “Prolonged engagement without clear commitment, defined timelines, and tangible outcomes is unacceptable,” the union said. It called on the Federal Government to reconvene and conclude the renegotiation process in a fair, transparent, and time-bound manner. SSANU set a deadline from April 1 to April 30, 2026, for the conclusion and signing of a new agreement. The union warned that failure to meet this timeline would compel it to coordinate with its Joint Action Committee partner to embark on an “indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action,” adding that “there will be no going back on this decision.” The NEC also raised concerns over worsening welfare conditions for university staff, citing persistent salary delays, unpaid increments, and withheld entitlements. The union said these issues have caused “severe hardship on members and their families, weakened morale, and undermined productivity.” It demanded immediate settlement of all outstanding salary matters and called for a more reliable payment system to prevent future disruptions. SSANU expressed dissatisfaction with the partial disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances agreed in 2022, highlighting the exclusion of inter-university centres and research institutes. The union insisted that all eligible workers must be included without discrimination. The union linked the crisis in universities to the broader economic hardship in the country, citing inflation and rising living costs that have eroded workers’ purchasing power. SSANU called for urgent relief measures, including wage reviews and strengthened social protection systems. Highlighting a deepening funding crisis, SSANU warned that inadequate investment continues to degrade infrastructure, limit research, and weaken service delivery in public universities. The union urged the government to prioritise education with predictable and transparent funding. Security concerns within university communities were also raised, with the NEC calling for more decisive, intelligence-driven measures to protect lives and property. It recommended improvements in campus surveillance, infrastructure, and personnel welfare. On global competitiveness, SSANU warned that weak digital infrastructure and limited research support have left Nigerian universities lagging behind. The union urged investment in digital transformation and stronger institutional partnerships. SSANU reaffirmed its alignment with the broader labour movement, acknowledging the support of the Nigeria Labour Congress, while maintaining a firm stance against policies that threaten job security. The union particularly cautioned against public-private partnership arrangements that may lead to job losses or erosion of workers’ rights. The union concluded that continued neglect of university staff is intolerable and urged the Federal Government to act decisively to restore confidence in industrial justice. “SSANU has demonstrated maturity, patience, and goodwill in the face of provocation and hardship. However, if Government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe, the Union will not hesitate to embark on decisive and lawful industrial action,” the NEC communiqué stated.