The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has rejected claims that its wage renegotiation with the Federal Government has been concluded, describing reports of a 30 percent allowance increase as misleading and unacceptable.
In a communiqué issued after its Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 18, 2026, in Abuja, the union insisted that negotiations remain ongoing despite multiple engagements with government representatives since October 2024.
SSANU strongly criticised the circulation of a letter suggesting presidential approval of a 30 percent increment, calling it a “rude shock” and a violation of established collective bargaining principles.
The communiqué, signed by SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that no final agreement had been reached, warning against attempts to misrepresent the status of negotiations.
“NEC expressed serious concern over attempts in the public domain to portray the process as concluded… when discussions are still in progress and no final agreement has been signed,” the statement read.
The union reaffirmed its earlier ultimatum, giving the Federal Government until April 30 to conclude negotiations or face an indefinite nationwide strike.
SSANU noted that it is acting in collaboration with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which has also warned of a “comprehensive and total industrial action” if the deadline is not met.
The association stressed that it would not accept any outcome below agreed negotiation terms, insisting on fairness, due process, and respect for workers’ rights.
Highlighting the importance of non-teaching staff in tertiary institutions, the union emphasised their role in admissions, result processing, student mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), healthcare services, and campus security.
“We are the ones oiling the engine. So where exactly are we lacking that we should be treated as second-class?” the union queried.
SSANU also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that workers’ concerns are addressed promptly, describing him as a democrat who should listen to the voices of labour.
The NEC urged members nationwide to remain calm, vigilant, and united, while passing a vote of confidence in the leadership of the union.
It reiterated its commitment to defending the welfare and rights of its members, vowing to pursue justice with unity and resolve if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome.
