The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) delivered a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on Monday.
The unions highlighted unresolved issues affecting non-academic university staff, including unfair distribution of earned allowances and unpaid salaries.
Key Grievances Outlined
In a letter signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim, the unions decried the “unjust” allocation of N50 billion in earned allowances.
They also raised concerns about non-payment of outstanding withheld salaries and the 25/35% salary increments. Additionally, the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-NASU/SSANU agreements remains stalled.
The letter referenced a prior communication dated June 18, 2025, urging Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa for intervention.
This led to a July 4, 2025, meeting where a Tripartite Committee was proposed to address the skewed allowance distribution, which excluded members in Inter-University Centres.
Unfulfilled Promises
During the July meeting, the minister pledged to accelerate payments for salary arrears. However, no progress has been made. A reminder letter sent on August 18, 2025, went unanswered.
The unions noted that the government team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and inaugurated on October 15, 2024, has engaged with academic unions but sidelined non-teaching staff despite submitted demands.
Threat of Industrial Action
The ultimatum, effective from September 15, 2025, warns of strikes and other actions if demands are unmet. SSANU President Ibrahim previously accused the government of insincerity.
He described a potential strike as the “grandfather of all strikes,” emphasizing its total and indefinite nature. The unions stressed the dire financial, economic, and psychological impacts on members.
Ongoing Welfare Disputes
Like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), SSANU and NASU have long clashed with the government over staff welfare. These tensions underscore broader challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.
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