FG Meets University Unions Amid Strike Threat Over Disputed Pay Rise

A looming strike by non-academic staff unions in Nigerian federal universities has prompted the Federal Government to call for an urgent meeting with the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU). The invitation, extended for a meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, signals a government effort to de-escalate the brewing crisis. The unions are up in arms over a purported 30% salary increase announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, which they claim was unilaterally decided and not a product of ongoing collective bargaining. Sources within the unions confirmed their attendance at the meeting but stressed that their ultimatum remains in effect. The Punch reports that the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU have issued a strong warning, stating that they will not accept any decision outside the negotiation table and are prepared to shut down public universities nationwide if the controversial letter is not withdrawn. This situation highlights a recurring friction point in Nigeria's tertiary education sector: the complex dynamics of salary negotiations and the importance of due process in labor relations. For the unions, this is not just about a pay rise; it's about upholding the principles of collective bargaining and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods. The government's move to meet signifies an acknowledgment of the unions' grievances, but the path to resolution remains tense.

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We will be there to hear what they have to say, but the truth is that our ultimatum still stands.