The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has cautioned that negotiations between university unions and the Federal Government are still unresolved, warning that failure to reach a conclusion by the end of April could trigger industrial action.
This position was outlined in a communiqué issued after a special NEC meeting held on Saturday at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja. During the meeting, union leaders assessed the current state of discussions with the government and expressed concern over the direction and pace of the renegotiation process.
In the communiqué, signed by SSANU’s National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, the council made it clear that talks are ongoing and no final agreement has been reached. The union also raised alarm over what it described as inaccurate reports suggesting that negotiations had already been concluded.
Specifically, SSANU addressed the circulation of a letter claiming approval of a 30 per cent increase in allowances. The union dismissed the claim, emphasizing that while discussions around welfare improvements are in progress, no binding agreement has been signed. It stressed that any outcome must reflect the understandings reached during negotiations and adhere to established principles of fairness, due process, and collective bargaining.
Reaffirming its earlier stance alongside the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) under the Joint Action Committee, SSANU maintained the ultimatum given to the Federal Government, which runs from April 1 to April 30, 2026. The council warned that if negotiations are not concluded and agreements signed within this period, the unions would have no option but to embark on a nationwide strike.
According to the communiqué, such action would be “indefinite, comprehensive, and total,” signaling a readiness to shut down university activities if their demands are not met. Despite this firm stance, the union urged its members across all branches to remain calm, alert, and united while awaiting further directives.
The council emphasized the importance of solidarity among members, encouraging them to stay prepared to act in defense of their welfare and professional dignity. It reiterated SSANU’s commitment to protecting the interests of its members and pursuing justice through collective resolve.
This latest development follows an earlier communiqué issued after SSANU’s 54th NEC meeting at Ekiti State University. At that time, the union had already voiced dissatisfaction with the slow progress of negotiations and warned that continued delays were unacceptable.
Beyond the renegotiation process, SSANU has consistently highlighted broader challenges affecting Nigerian universities. These include persistent salary delays, inadequate funding, and worsening working conditions for non-teaching staff. The union argues that these issues have significantly impacted the efficiency and stability of the university system.
In its previous position, SSANU made it clear that prolonged and inconclusive negotiations would not be tolerated, noting that failure to address its concerns could lead to coordinated industrial action with other non-teaching unions.
With the April deadline approaching, attention now turns to whether the Federal Government can meet the unions’ expectations and prevent another disruption in Nigeria’s already fragile university system.
