SSANU Threatens Indefinite Strike as Federal Government Renegotiation Deadline Looms
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned it will commence an indefinite nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to conclude ongoing renegotiation talks by the end of April. The ultimatum, originally issued on March 30, gives authorities 30 days to resolve outstanding welfare and agreement issues affecting university-based unions.
Speaking after a Special National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, SSANU National President Muhammad Ibrahim expressed growing frustration over delays in finalising negotiations and signing binding agreements. He reiterated that the renegotiation process remains incomplete despite public claims suggesting otherwise, including a letter alleging approval of a 30 per cent allowance increase while talks were still underway.
“We will not accept any outcome below the negotiated understanding reached during discussions,” Ibrahim stated. “Fairness, due process, and respect for collective bargaining principles must be upheld.”
The threat of industrial action is being coordinated jointly with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) through their Joint Action Committee. Should the April 30 deadline pass without resolution, both unions plan to launch a “comprehensive and total industrial action” affecting universities nationwide.
Ibrahim called on union members to remain calm but vigilant, urging full compliance with official directives to defend their welfare and collective interests. The potential strike threatens to disrupt academic activities across Nigerian universities, echoing previous industrial actions that have periodically paralysed higher education institutions over unresolved labour disputes.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal response to the ultimatum, though negotiations between the unions and government representatives have been ongoing for several months. The outcome of these talks will determine whether Nigeria’s public universities avoid another wave of industrial unrest in the coming weeks.
