SSANU issues ultimatum, threatens indefinite strike over 2009 pact

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities on Sunday in Abuja warned that it may shut down universities across Nigeria if the Federal Government fails to complete the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement by April 30, 2026. The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University.

The statement, signed by the union’s National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, said the union was unhappy with how the talks have been handled so far. It noted that discussions with non-teaching staff unions have moved slowly and lack clear direction, with no definite timeline or firm commitment from the government.

SSANU gave the government a one-month deadline starting from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to conclude the renegotiation and sign a new agreement. The union warned that if this is not done within the set period, it would have no choice but to join forces with other unions under the Joint Action Committee to begin an indefinite nationwide strike in universities.

The union also raised concerns over delays in salary payments and the failure to implement wage increases. It said these issues have worsened the living conditions of its members, making it difficult for them to cope with rising economic pressure.

SSANU called on the government to settle all unpaid salaries without further delay and suggested the use of a unified payment system such as Remita to improve transparency and efficiency in salary disbursement.

The union maintained that resolving these issues quickly is necessary to avoid disruption in the university system and ensure stability in the education sector.