Universities on the Brink: SSANU Issues 30-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Nationwide Strike.
Universities on the Brink: SSANU Issues 30-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Nationwide Strike
Tension is rising across Nigeria’s university system as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government 30 days to wrap up stalled negotiations — or face a massive shutdown of campuses nationwide.
The Union warned that if talks are not concluded by April 30, it may have no option but to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.
The decision was taken during SSANU’s 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University in Ekiti State.
In a communiqué signed by the Union’s President, Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU criticised the slow pace of the renegotiation process, saying discussions with the government have dragged on without a clear timetable for conclusion.
The Union urged the authorities to urgently reconvene the talks and ensure they are concluded within the one-month window.
According to the communiqué, failure to meet the deadline would force the union to partner with the Non‑Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions under the Joint Action Committee to begin a total and indefinite industrial action across Nigerian universities.
SSANU also lamented persistent delays in salary payments and unpaid entitlements, warning that the situation has placed severe financial pressure on university workers and their families.
The Union said the recurring delays have eroded morale and negatively affected productivity within the nation’s university system.
It demanded the immediate settlement of outstanding salary issues and recommended the adoption of the Remita payment platform to ensure a more reliable and unified salary payment system.
On the issue of earned allowances, SSANU criticised how the ₦50 billion approved by the government in 2022 was handled, alleging that the disbursement process has been incomplete and unfair.
The Union also raised concerns that some institutions — including inter-university centres and research institutes — were excluded from the payments.
Beyond salary issues, SSANU warned that rising inflation and the soaring cost of living are severely weakening the purchasing power of university workers.
It called on the government to consider measures such as wage reviews and stronger social protection policies to cushion the economic pressure on staff.
The NEC also expressed concern about worsening insecurity in and around university campuses, urging authorities to strengthen safety through improved surveillance systems, better infrastructure and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
SSANU reiterated its key demands, including the completion of renegotiation talks, payment of all outstanding entitlements, fair distribution of allowances and protection of workers’ jobs.
While noting that the Union has exercised patience for a long time, it warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive action if the government fails to address its demands before the April 30 deadline.
