Federal Government Holds Talks with SSANU, NASU, and NAAT Ahead of April 30 Walkout Deadline

In a last-ditch effort to prevent a strike in universities and inter-university centers, the Federal Government has extended an invitation to non-teaching staff unions for a meeting on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education Conference Hall, Abuja.

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The gathering is set to take place at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, amidst a looming deadline of April 30, 2026, which was given by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) for the federal government to conclude the ongoing renegotiation exercise.

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SSANU had previously rejected the government's offer of a 30 percent salary increase, instead opting to threaten an indefinite, total strike if the renegotiation is not concluded by the specified deadline.

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According to reliable information, the non-teaching staff unions remain resolute in their stance on the April 30 deadline, with all three unions - SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) - having been invited by the Minister of Education.

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A source within the unions, who chose to remain anonymous due to lacking authorization from the union's leadership, confirmed the invitation and stated that the union's position remains unwavering, with no intention of being swayed into accepting anything less than their demands.

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The source revealed that the unions have clearly outlined their expectations, emphasizing that the renegotiated agreement must be signed on or before April 30, and that the previous 30 percent offer was rejected, with the expectation that the government will take necessary action by the specified date.

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This resolve was reportedly reached during the NEC meeting, where members decided on the course of action, leaving the government with the option to either make a reasonable offer or face the possibility of a strike.

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The three unions - SSANU, NASU, and NAAT - unanimously rejected the government's 30 percent salary increase offer, citing that it was not the result of collective bargaining.