The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government over issues pertaining to non-academic staff of universities.
In a letter dated Monday, the two unions complained about the “unjust” disbursement of earned allowances to university staff, as well as the failure to pay unpaid allowances.
In the letter, signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim, he reminded the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, of a letter dated June 18, 2025, in which the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU had drawn his attention to the need for an immediate intervention in outstanding labor matters affecting their members.
The union added that their letter resulted in the minister organizing a meeting with the JAC of NASU and SSANU on July 4, 2025, to address the issues outlined in the letter.
The letter partly read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the issues raised in the letter centered on unjust disbursement of N50 billion earned allowances, non-payment of outstanding withheld salaries and 25/35% salary increments, and renegotiation of the year 2009 FGN and NASU/SSANU agreements.”
Furthermore, the unions recalled that the meeting with the minister led to a resolution whereby a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission, and JAC of NASU and SSANU would be constituted to resolve the impasse that had arisen due to the “skewed distribution of the N50 billion Earned Allowances in which our members in the universities were shortchanged, while those in the Inter-University.
“While there was no conclusion at the 4th July, 2025 meeting on the issue of payment of two months’ outstanding withheld salaries owed our members, you pledged to set machinery in motion to expedite action on the issue of payment of arrears of 25/35% salary increments owed our members.
“As a sequel to the 4th July, 2025, meeting, there was a reminder letter dated 18th August, 2025, owing to the silence or deliberate decision by your office not to address issues affecting non-teaching staff in our universities and inter-university centers.
“It is equally important to note that the renegotiation of the Year 2009 FGN and NASU/SSANU Agreements is being delayed.
“It is on record that Alhaji Yayale Ahmed led Renegotiation Committee inaugurated on 15th October, 2024 to review the 2009 Agreements with the University Based Unions only had inaugural meeting with JAC of NASU and SSANU on 10th December, 2024 and since then the Federal Government Team has gone into limbo with the Non-Teaching Staff Unions, whereas information at our disposal confirmed that the same Federal Government Team has already concluded renegotiation with our counterpart, the Academic Staff Union in the sector and at the verge of signing an agreement while the Federal Government Team has refused to engage the Non-Teaching Staff Unions and even sidelined us despite fulfilling all justifications including re- submission of our Memoranda of Demands.
“We brought this to your attention during our 4th July, 2025, meeting, and you promised to intervene for the Committee to expedite action. Regrettably, we have yet to see progress. Despite our repeated efforts to draw your attention to address concerns affecting our members in the universities and inter-university centers, there appears to be nothing positive forthcoming from your office.
“In light of the persistent unresolved issues and the apparent lack of responsiveness from the Government to our legitimate concerns, we are compelled to serve a formal notice of seven (7) days effective from Monday, 15th September, 2025, to address our agitations, failing which members of NASU and SSANU would embark on a series of legitimate industrial actions, including strikes, to press home our demands.”
Last week, SSANU’s president, Ibrahim, accused the government of being insincere with the union.
He issued a warning that the strike would be total, indefinite, and absolute if the government fails to address their demands.
“Ours will not be the ‘mother of all strikes’; it will be the grandfather of all strikes, because when SSANU or NASU strikes, you know what it means. We must take our destinies in our hands,” Ibrahim said.
The SSANU president lamented the conditions of service of university workers, saying they are the worst hit financially, economically, and psychologically.
