SSANU threatens indefinite strike over renegotiation failure
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has given the Federal Government a deadline of December 31, 2025, to finalize negotiations with them; otherwise, universities across the nation will be closed indefinitely starting January 2026.
SSANU also voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the increase in kidnappings that target school and university settings, emphasizing that recent kidnappings of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States reveal a troubling trend that endangers education at all levels.
These issues, among others, were highlighted in a statement released after the association's 53rd National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Jos, which was signed by SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the meeting assessed the nation’s condition, reviewed developments within the Nigerian university system, and discussed matters affecting the welfare of its members.
The association conveyed its strong discontent regarding the purported ongoing marginalization of non-teaching staff concerning both the distribution of Earned Allowances and the government's negotiation discussions.
SSANU accused the federal government of failing to make any genuine commitments during the renegotiation process, alleging a continued and intentional exclusion of non-teaching staff.
Regarding the alleged marginalization of non-teaching staff in funding, negotiations, and government interactions, SSANU threatened to initiate a total and indefinite strike if the government did not conclude negotiations with them before December 31, 2025.
The statement declared: “NEC expressed strong dissatisfaction with the longstanding marginalisation of non-teaching staff in both the payment of Earned Allowances and the government’s renegotiation engagements.”
It demanded immediate payment, stating: “The Council insists that the ₦50 billion agreed upon in the 2022 MoU/MoA must be released without further delay, and that Inter-University Centres and research institutes, which were wrongly excluded from previous payments, must be included in the next disbursement. The ongoing denial of financial rights to SSANU members is unacceptable and will prompt coordinated action.”
SSANU outlined the government’s perceived lack of commitment: “NEC further reviewed the activities of the expanded renegotiation committee and noted that the government has not made any substantial commitments to SSANU, while favoring others. This trend reflects a deliberate and ongoing exclusion of non-teaching staff.”
The Council issued a stern warning: “The Council resolved that if the government does not conclude credible negotiations and present a realistic offer by December 31st, 2025, SSANU will have no option but to initiate total, comprehensive, and system-wide industrial action in 2026 to protect the rights and dignity of its members.”
The association also expressed disapproval of the recent kidnapping incidents involving students in Kebbi and Niger states, cautioning that it poses a serious threat to the education sector.
According to the statement: “NEC expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across the country, especially the increase in kidnappings targeting schools and university environments. The recent abduction of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States reveals a troubling trend that jeopardizes education at all levels.”
SSANU called for enhanced security measures: “The Council urges the Federal and State Governments to prioritize security within all educational institutions by implementing modern surveillance technologies, bolstering perimeter defenses, and enhancing intelligence and community-based security systems. The security framework at universities must be improved, and staff should be provided comprehensive health and life insurance.”
SSANU reviewed the Federal Ministry of Education’s proposal regarding divestment and Public-Private Partnership options for municipal services in universities and raised serious concerns about their implications for job security, worker rights, and stability of services.
The association expressed its strong opposition to job reductions: “While recognizing the necessity to enhance campus utilities and operational effectiveness, the Council observed that comparable PPP models in various sectors have historically led to job losses, casualization, wage reductions, and the decline of institutional knowledge outcomes that SSANU cannot accept under any circumstances.”
It reiterated its stance: “The Council reiterated SSANU’s unwavering position that no staff member should face job loss, replacement, demotion, or be pushed into inferior working conditions. NEC will not endorse the introduction of any policy that could impact our members without appropriate engagement and a comprehensive labor impact assessment involving all stakeholders. Any effort to implement PPP measures without protecting staff welfare will be met with resolute opposition from the union.”
Regarding the ongoing issues of chronic underfunding and the deterioration of university infrastructure, the NEC stated: “NEC expressed deep concern about the widening gap between the escalating needs of Nigerian universities and the insufficient levels of government support. Across various campuses, critical services are failing: electricity remains extremely unreliable, water supply systems often malfunction, and many hostels, classrooms, and offices have fallen into unsafe and disgraceful conditions. Laboratories function with outdated or non-operational equipment, severely hindering research output and practical learning.”
It also noted that inadequate campus infrastructure impacts security: “NEC further pointed out that poor campus infrastructure extends to security measures, where insufficient lighting, damaged perimeter fences, and underfunded security units put staff and students at increased risk. Coupled with a lack of consistent maintenance and delayed funding releases, universities are unable to maintain basic operations.”
SSANU called for solutions: “SSANU consequently demands predictable and sufficient funding, timely disbursements, and strict accountability measures to ensure that resources are allocated directly to address urgent needs in teaching, research, infrastructure, digital systems, and administrative services. Without decisive governmental intervention, the deterioration of university infrastructure will persist, undermining national development and the future prospects of Nigerian youth.”
The association voiced its profound worry over the immense economic pressure on university workers as inflation, rising fuel prices, transportation challenges, and increasing costs of essential goods continue to erode their already stagnant salaries.
It highlighted the troubling circumstances of its members: “Members are finding it difficult to meet basic household expenses, and the ongoing rise in living costs has driven many into severe financial hardship,” adding, “These conditions are untenable and jeopardize the wellbeing, productivity, and morale of the workforce.”
The Council urged immediate action: “The Council therefore calls for urgent and substantial wage adjustments that reflect the current economic situation, along with enhanced social protection measures specifically aimed at education sector employees.”
It further insisted: “NEC also requires clear governmental policies that ensure affordable transportation and housing for staff, emphasizing that workers cannot continue to bear the burden of an economy that has surpassed their earnings and deteriorated their quality of life.”
SSANU, however, reaffirmed its willingness to partner with the government in revitalizing public institutions, enhancing governance, strengthening accountability, and modernizing public services.
It concluded: “The union stands prepared to lend its expertise to national recovery and sustainable development.”
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