SSANU, NASU set to call off strike May 11

In a positive development for students and faculty, non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have declared their intention to halt their nationwide strike. The announcement sparks hope for the prompt resumption of academic activities across campuses.

The directive comes from the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). Both unions have asked their branches to initiate the formal procedures to suspend the strike, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.

The decision followed a series of meetings between the unions and the Federal Government over unresolved demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and welfare-related concerns.

In a circular sent to branch chairpersons which was obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday morning, the unions said they had secured a firm commitment from the federal government to conclude all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks of suspending the industrial action.

The decision followed a series of meetings between the unions and the Federal Government over unresolved demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and welfare-related concerns.

In a circular sent to branch chairpersons which was obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday morning, the unions said they had secured a firm commitment from the federal government to conclude all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks of suspending the industrial action.

The circular, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, indicated that the breakthrough came after a crucial meeting with the federal government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee led by a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.

According to the unions, the government explained that any further review of its earlier offer would require the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“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,” the statement read.

It added that branch leaders had been directed to convene congresses to brief members and ratify the decision.

“Branch leaders are hereby urged to note this appeal and convene congresses to report the above, for a suspension of the strike effective from Monday, 11th May, 2026, while other engagements with relevant stakeholders continue,” the unions said.

The unions also disclosed that part of the ongoing discussions included a controversial 30 per cent salary increase under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure which had earlier been proposed but later withdrawn by the government.

They expressed appreciation to members for their compliance with the strike directive, describing the solidarity shown nationwide as encouraging.

NASU and SSANU commenced the strike on May 1, 2026, over the Federal Government’s delay in concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which covers salaries, allowances, and general working conditions of non-academic staff in universities and inter-university centres.

The industrial action disrupted administrative operations in public universities, affecting activities such as student registration, documentation, hostel management, and other essential support services critical to the smooth running of academic institutions.

The strike also added to mounting concerns over instability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, which has experienced repeated disruptions in recent years due to disputes between university-based unions and the government.

Although academic staff were not directly involved in the latest action, the absence of non-teaching personnel significantly slowed down campus operations, forcing many institutions into partial shutdown.