SSANU, NASU Extend Strike Ultimatum, Warn of Nationwide Action

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have granted the Federal Government a two-week extension to address unresolved welfare issues affecting university staff nationwide.

The unions, acting through the Joint Action Committee had initially given the government a seven-day ultimatum but extended it after meetings with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, and other stakeholders on September 19, 2025.

In a statement to union chapters across the country, SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim highlighted the ongoing delays in implementing agreed-upon welfare measures.

“Concrete resolutions of our requests have not been met, necessitating the continuation of discussions,” Ibrahim said, emphasizing that the extension is meant to give the government a final chance to act.

The unions are pressing for the payment of outstanding allowances, proper disbursement of earned entitlements, and resolution of other staff welfare matters. They noted that while a consultative committee was set up by the government, progress has been slow.

“This extension provides the government with an opportunity to initiate the requisite processes to address our demands. If the government fails to do the needful within this extended period, the JAC will summarily proceed with a series of legitimate industrial actions,” the circular warned.

The new two-week timeline began Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and will determine whether university staff embark on nationwide strike action, potentially affecting academic activities across Nigeria.