The National Executive Council of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has issued a stern warning over the ongoing renegotiation process between university-based unions and the Federal Government, insisting that no final agreement has been reached and threatening industrial action if talks are not concluded by the end of April.
The position was outlined in a communiqué issued during a special NEC meeting conducted on Saturday at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, when leaders evaluated progress in the bargaining process.
According to a communiqué signed by Muhammad Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and released to the press on Sunday, the NEC reaffirmed that “the renegotiation process with the federal government is still ongoing and has not been concluded.”
The council also expressed concern over what it deemed false public reporting, which implied that the process had reached completion.
It cited the distribution of a letter apparently suggesting approval of a 30% increase in allowances, claiming that discussions were still ongoing and that no binding agreement had been reached.
NEC stated that “SSANU will not accept any outcome that falls below the negotiated understanding reached in the course of the renegotiation process and insists that fairness, due process, and collective bargaining principles must be respected.”
The council reiterated its earlier stance under the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, stating that the federal government had till April 30, 2026, to conclude negotiations and execute agreements.
It warned that failure to meet the deadline would force the unions to take strike action.
According to the communiqué, SSANU “will have no alternative but to, along with NASU, commence an indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action.”
The council asked members of all branches to remain calm yet vigilant and to stand together in their readiness to comply with any directions made by union leadership.
“NEC called on all members of the union across the branches to remain calm, vigilant, united, and prepared to fully comply with the decisions of the union in defense of their welfare, dignity, and collective interest,” the statement stated.
It also reaffirmed SSANU’s commitment to defending members’ rights and welfare, saying that the union “will continue to pursue justice with firmness, unity, and resolve.”
The current warning follows an earlier communiqué published during SSANU’s 54th National Executive Council meeting at Ekiti State University, during which the union voiced discontent with the slow pace of renegotiations and gave a final ultimatum to the government.
At the time, SSANU expressed worry about salary delays, inadequate university funding, and deteriorating working conditions throughout the system.
In its previous position, the union stated that extended and inconclusive negotiations were unacceptable and that failure to achieve its objectives would result in industrial action alongside other non-teaching staff unions.
