The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, giving it until December 31, 2025, to conclude the ongoing renegotiation with the union. Failure to do so will result in an indefinite shutdown of universities from January 2026. This decision was made during the union’s 53rd National Executive Council meeting at the University of Jos.

SSANU has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues affecting non-teaching staff, citing a lack of commitment to addressing their concerns. The union has accused the government of sidelining its members in the payment of Earned Allowances and the renegotiation process. Specifically, SSANU is demanding the immediate release of the N50 billion agreed upon in the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the inclusion of Inter-University Centres and research institutes in the next disbursement.

The union has also raised concerns over the rising spate of school kidnappings, citing recent incidents in Kebbi and Niger States. SSANU is urging the government to strengthen campus security through modern surveillance systems, improved perimeter protection, and better intelligence gathering. Furthermore, the union has rejected the Federal Ministry of Education’s proposal to introduce Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for municipal services in universities, citing previous PPP models that have led to job losses and poorer working conditions.

SSANU has highlighted the deteriorating state of infrastructure in universities, including unreliable electricity, faulty water systems, dilapidated hostels, outdated laboratories, and weak security structures. The union is calling for predictable funding, timely releases, and stricter monitoring of resources. Additionally, SSANU is demanding an urgent wage review in line with current economic realities, citing the worsening hardship faced by university workers due to rising inflation and fuel costs.

The union’s demands come as the education sector in Nigeria continues to face numerous challenges. With the deadline for the renegotiation looming, the government will need to take swift action to address the concerns of SSANU and prevent a potentially disruptive shutdown of universities. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the education sector and the welfare of university workers in Nigeria.