The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have commenced a nationwide indefinite strike, escalating tensions in Nigeria’s university system.
The industrial action, which began at midnight on May 1, 2026, follows what the unions describe as the Federal Government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the long-standing 2009 agreements and address welfare concerns of non-teaching staff.
In a joint circular issued to branch chairmen across universities and inter-university centres, SSANU and NASU leaders expressed frustration over delays and what they called an unsatisfactory wage offer.
The circular was jointly signed by Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, and Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary.
At the heart of the dispute is the rejection of a 30 per cent salary increase under the CONTTA structure, which the unions insist does not meet their demands.
According to the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions, a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, and other government officials failed to yield any concrete resolution.
While government representatives reportedly urged the unions to suspend the strike, no improved offer or clear timeline for concluding the renegotiation process was presented.
The unions said their members had mandated leadership to accept nothing short of full approval of their demands, as outlined in earlier communications dated March 27 and April 18, 2026.
Declaring the strike inevitable, the unions directed all members to withdraw their services indefinitely.
“All NASU and SSANU members are hereby enjoined to comply with this directive for the survival of our existence in the system,” the statement read.
The strike is expected to disrupt administrative and academic activities across public universities nationwide, raising fresh concerns about stability in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
