- Ibrahim, the union criticised the slow and inconclusive renegotiation process
- SSANU subsequently issued a one-month ultimatum, giving the Federal Government from April 1 to April 30, 2026
- The union also raised concerns over persistent salary delays affecting workers in federal and some state universities
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over unresolved labour issues and worsening conditions in the country’s university system.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the warning followed the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University, where members expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations between the government and non-teaching staff unions.
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In a communiqué released on March 29, 2026, and signed by its National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, the union criticised the slow and inconclusive renegotiation process, describing prolonged discussions without tangible outcomes as unacceptable.
SSANU subsequently issued a one-month ultimatum, giving the Federal Government from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to conclude negotiations and sign a new agreement, warning that failure to comply would result in industrial action.
The union also raised concerns over persistent salary delays affecting workers in federal and some state universities, noting that the situation has caused hardship for staff and weakened morale across institutions.
It called for the immediate payment of outstanding wages and the adoption of a unified and reliable salary payment system, recommending the use of the Remita platform.
On earned allowances, SSANU faulted the government’s handling of the ₦50 billion disbursement agreed in 2022, accusing authorities of failing to implement the payment fairly and excluding some institutions such as inter-university centres and research institutes.
The council further highlighted the impact of rising inflation and economic hardship on workers, urging the government to review wages and introduce social protection measures to cushion the effects.
SSANU also decried the continued underfunding of universities, warning that it has contributed to deteriorating infrastructure, weak service delivery, and limited support for research and innovation.
Beyond labour concerns, the union expressed alarm over the country’s security situation, citing increasing cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, and called for stronger measures to safeguard lives and property, including improved security on campuses.
It also warned that Nigerian universities risk falling behind globally due to inadequate digital infrastructure and insufficient investment in research, urging urgent reforms to boost innovation and competitiveness.
Reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare, SSANU pledged continued collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress and cautioned against any public-private partnership arrangements that could lead to job losses or erosion of workers’ rights.
The union outlined key demands, including the immediate resumption of negotiations, settlement of salary arrears and allowances, protection of jobs, and the creation of a structured platform for continuous dialogue between the government and university unions.
It warned that continued neglect of university workers would no longer be tolerated, stressing that it may resort to decisive industrial action if its demands are not met.
The development comes amid rising tensions in Nigeria’s university sector, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities also raising concerns over salary implementation and staff welfare, fueling fears of another potential nationwide shutdown.
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