SSANU Issues Strike Threat Over Delays

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, is issuing a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a possible indefinite nationwide strike if ongoing renegotiation with non-teaching unions in public universities is not concluded.
The directive follows resolutions reached at the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University in Ado-Ekiti, where leaders express dissatisfaction over delays in addressing critical issues affecting university workers. According to Mediaplusng.com, the union describes the pace of negotiations as slow and unacceptable.
SSANU leadership, under its National President Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, states that failure by the government to meet its demands before the end of April will result in a shutdown of administrative operations across public universities nationwide.
The association emphasizes that non-teaching staff play a vital role in the smooth running of universities, noting that any disruption in administrative services could significantly affect academic activities.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the union reiterates that its demands are centered on fairness, improved welfare, and the timely fulfillment of agreements previously reached with the government.
Among key concerns raised are delays in salary payments affecting both federal and some state-owned universities, a development SSANU says is causing financial hardship for its members.
The union also points to the non-payment of approved salary increments and other entitlements, calling on authorities to immediately settle all outstanding obligations owed to university staff.
SSANU is urging the Federal Government to implement a unified salary payment structure across all public universities to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability in remuneration.
Leaders stress that the current situation, if left unaddressed, could further weaken Nigeria’s higher education system and erode confidence among university workers.
Education stakeholders warn that any prolonged strike action may disrupt academic calendars, delay graduations, and affect overall institutional stability.
With the ultimatum now in effect, attention turns to ongoing negotiations between government representatives and university unions, as stakeholders seek a resolution that will prevent another major disruption in the education sector.
The association insists that its planned industrial action is a last resort, aimed at compelling authorities to prioritize the welfare of university workers and uphold commitments made.
Observers note that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether dialogue prevails or Nigeria’s public universities face another round of industrial unrest.
For now, all eyes remain on the Federal Government’s response as the deadline approaches.