SSANU, NASU Set to Suspend Nationwide Strike

Non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s public universities have moved to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike, paving the way for a gradual restoration of administrative activities across campuses.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), under their Joint Action Committee (JAC), directed branches to begin processes for suspension of the industrial action effective Monday, May 11, 2026.

The decision followed negotiations with the Federal Government over long-standing demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement covering welfare, salaries, and allowances.

In a circular issued to branch leaders, the unions said they had secured a commitment from the government to conclude outstanding negotiations within two weeks of the strike suspension.

According to the unions, the agreement was reached during a meeting with the Federal Government’s expanded renegotiation committee led by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.

They added that government officials indicated any further review of salary proposals would require presidential approval.

The unions directed branches to hold congresses to brief members and ratify the suspension decision, while noting appreciation for members’ solidarity during the strike period.

The industrial action, which began on May 1, disrupted non-academic operations in universities nationwide, affecting student registration, hostel administration, and other support services.

The dispute forms part of wider tensions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector over funding, welfare, and implementation of agreements between unions and government.

Source: The Punch