SSANU Threatens University Shutdown Over Inconclusive Negotiations

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is poised to disrupt academic activities across the nation with a looming strike, signaling a deep rift between non-teaching staff and the federal government. This potential industrial action, slated to begin on May 1, 2026, stems from what SSANU describes as protracted and unsatisfactory negotiations over critical welfare issues. The union's leadership, as articulated by Dr. Yusuf Ademola, the UNILAG Chapter Chairman, feels that sufficient time and opportunities have been given for the government to address their demands, yet progress remains elusive.

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We have tried everything possible to make the federal government do the needful and accede to our demands. We have been on the matter for a very long time. Instead of doing the needful, the government came up with 30 percent increase in consolidated salary structure that did not emanate from any agreement reached with us. Anyway, we have outrightly rejected that.

A major point of contention is the government's unilateral announcement of a 30% increase in the consolidated salary structure. SSANU vehemently rejects this offer, labeling it an arbitrary imposition that bypasses the negotiation process and disrespects the union's input. They argue that such decisions, made without their explicit agreement, treat non-teaching staff as second-class citizens within the university system. This perceived disregard for their contributions and welfare is a significant driver behind the escalating tensions.

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What we are asking the government to do is the payment of the arrears of our wage awards, the payment of our two months withheld salaries, the payment of our 35 percent salary arrears, the payment of our earned allowances and improved funding of our universities.

Beyond the rejected salary increase, SSANU's core demands include the payment of arrears for wage awards, two months of withheld salaries, and a previously agreed-upon 35% salary increase. They also emphasize the need for improved funding for universities, recognizing that the welfare of staff is intrinsically linked to the overall health and capacity of educational institutions. From the perspective of Vanguard, which reports on this developing story, the government's handling of these negotiations is crucial. The union's threat to shut down universities underscores the seriousness of their grievances and the potential impact on Nigeria's higher education sector if a resolution is not found swiftly. The government's engagement with teaching staff versus its approach to non-teaching staff is a point of particular concern for SSANU, highlighting a perceived disparity in how different segments of the university community are valued.

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It was done like a kind of fiat by the government. It didn’t emanate from a concluded negotiation and engagement between SSANU and the federal government. It was not discussed, agreed or endorsed by the leadership of SSANU. It was an arbitrary thing imposed on us without transparency and justification.