UI students protest over NASU, SSANU strike

Students at the University of Ibadan took to the campus roads on Wednesday, voicing their frustration over the crippling effects of the ongoing strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). The protest, while peaceful, saw students disrupting vehicular movement as they expressed their grievances over the shutdown of essential amenities.

The industrial action, which began on May 1, 2026, has brought non-academic services across federal universities, including UI, to a standstill. Hostels, administrative blocks, and vital utilities like water and electricity supply have been severely impacted, leaving students to grapple with basic living challenges during the academic period. This situation underscores the significant role non-academic staff play in the smooth functioning of our tertiary institutions and the severe consequences their industrial disputes have on the student populace.

However, there is a glimmer of hope as reports indicate that the unions have agreed to suspend the strike. This decision reportedly came after securing a firm commitment from the Federal Government's Expanded Renegotiation Committee, led by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed. The unions stated that all outstanding renegotiations, including a revised offer for the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), would be concluded within two weeks of the strike's suspension.

This development, if finalized, would bring much-needed relief to students and the university community. It highlights the delicate balance between the demands of staff unions and the imperative of uninterrupted academic activities. The commitment from the government to expedite these negotiations is crucial, and we will be watching closely to ensure these promises are kept, allowing our universities to return to normalcy.

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The leadership of JAC considered the passionate appeal for the suspension of the ongoing strike action and also extracted a commitment from the FGN Expanded Renegotiation Committee that all renegotiations, including a reviewed offer of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), shall be concluded in two weeks from the date of the suspension of the strike.