The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the federal government a one-month ultimatum to finalize the renegotiation of a 2009 agreement, or face an indefinite strike. The ultimatum was announced following a communiqué issued on Sunday after the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting at Ekiti State University. SSANU National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, signed the communiqué.
Ibrahim warned that if the renegotiation is not concluded by April 30, 2026, the union will be compelled to embark on industrial action in collaboration with the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU. He criticized the slow pace of negotiations, noting the lack of clear timelines and firm commitments from the government. He also condemned delays in salary payments and unpaid increments, which he said have exacerbated the hardship faced by members.
The union demanded the immediate settlement of outstanding salaries and the adoption of a unified payment platform such as Remita. SSANU also alleged that some workers were excluded from the N50 billion earned allowances approved in 2022, and called for all eligible staff to be included without discrimination. The union expressed concerns over rising inflation, underfunding of universities, poor infrastructure, and insecurity on campuses.
It warned that weak digital infrastructure and inadequate research funding could undermine Nigeria’s global academic competitiveness. SSANU rejected Public-Private Partnership models that could lead to job losses and called for sustained dialogue to prevent further industrial disputes.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities’ultimatum highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian university workers and underscores the importance of fulfilling agreements to maintain academic stability.
Source: Impulsradio & Television Africa
