NASU, SSANU Declare Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Renegotiation of 2009 agreement

By Luke Matthias

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed its members across federal and state universities, as well as inter-university centres, to commence an indefinite strike beginning May 1, 2026.

In a circular dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to branch chairmen nationwide, the unions said the decision followed a high-level meeting with the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and other top government officials, including representatives of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

According to the statement, the meeting focused on the prolonged renegotiation of the 2009 agreements covering non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities. The unions expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of discussions and the absence of a firm timeline for conclusion.

“The discussion at the meeting centred on the slow pace of renegotiation of 2009 agreements for the non-teaching staff unions and our demand for its conclusion not later than 30th April, 2026,” the circular reads.

While acknowledging that the government had appealed to the unions to suspend the planned strike,unions noted that the authorities had only withdrawn the controversial 30% CONTTTA award letter without presenting a new offer or clear commitment on the renegotiation timeline.

The leadership of the JAC maintained that its position was guided by resolutions previously communicated to the government, insisting that only the full approval of their demands would be acceptable.

Consequently, the unions directed all members to embark on what they described as a “total and comprehensive strike action” effective 12:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026.

They also warned that monitoring teams had been deployed nationwide to ensure full compliance, stressing that any branch found undermining the strike would face sanctions.

“All NASU and SSANU members are hereby enjoined to comply with this directive for the survival of our existence in the system,” the statement reads.

The circular was jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed H. Ibrahim, who called for “total and unequivocal support” from members across all institutions.