University staff union spurns purported 30% agreement with federal government, gives President Tinubu deadline for industrial action

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has strongly denounced claims that its wage renegotiation with the Federal Government has been finalized, reiterating that a strike deadline of April 30 remains in place if no agreement is reached.

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SSANU had previously issued a 30-day ultimatum to the federal government to conclude renegotiations, warning that failure to do so would result in a total and comprehensive indefinite strike.

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A communiqué issued after the Special National Executive Council meeting on April 18, 2026, in Abuja, emphasized that the renegotiation process is ongoing, with seven meetings having taken place since October 2024.

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SSANU expressed outrage over a circulated letter purporting to confirm presidential approval of a 30 percent allowance hike, describing it as a "rude shock" and a violation of collective bargaining principles.

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The communiqué, signed by SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the National Executive Council expressed serious concern over attempts to portray the process as concluded, despite discussions still being in progress and no final agreement having been signed.

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SSANU vowed to reject any outcome that falls below the negotiated terms, insisting that fairness, due process, and collective bargaining principles must be respected.

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The association declared that it will not accept any outcome that fails to meet the negotiated understanding reached during the renegotiation process.

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SSANU upheld its ultimatum, issued jointly with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, under the Joint Action Committee, JAC, which warned the federal government to conclude talks by April 30 or face "indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action" across universities, polytechnics, and colleges.

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SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim clarified that the deadline for concluding the exercise is the end of the month, after which the association will mobilize its members and withdraw their services if no agreement is reached.

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Mohammed highlighted the crucial role of non-teaching staff in universities and inter-university centers, citing responsibilities such as handling admissions, processing results, and providing healthcare services.

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He emphasized that non-teaching staff are essential to the functioning of universities, asking "where exactly are we lacking that we should be treated as second-class?"

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The National Executive Council urged members to remain "calm, vigilant, united" and passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Comrade Ibrahim, reaffirming its commitment to members' rights.

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SSANU reiterated its expectation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a democrat, will listen to the voices of workers, as expressed by the association's members who have "spoken with one voice".

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The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of its members, vowing to continue pursuing justice with firmness, unity, and resolve.