The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a seven-day strike ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on a series of unresolved issues affecting their members.
The notice, which officially commenced on Monday, September 15, was issued in a joint statement signed by Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of JAC and President of SSANU, and Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU.
Key Demands from NASU and SSANU
The unions expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they described as the Federal Government’s neglect of critical labour issues affecting non-teaching staff in Nigeria’s universities and inter-university centres.
Their grievances include:
- Unjust disbursement of N50 billion earned allowances, which allegedly shortchanged NASU and SSANU members while completely excluding staff in inter-university centres.
- Non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries
- Non-implementation of the 25% and 35% salary increases
- Delay in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreement
“Despite our repeated efforts to draw attention to the concerns affecting our members, there appears to be nothing positive forthcoming from your office,” the statement read.
The unions revealed that during a meeting held on July 4, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education, led by Minister Tunji Alausa, agreed to constitute a Tripartite Committee involving the Ministry, National Universities Commission (NUC), and JAC. The goal was to resolve the skewed allocation of the N50 billion earned allowances. However, no progress has been made.
“While there was no conclusion on the withheld salaries, the Minister pledged to expedite payment of the arrears of 25/35% salary increments. Nothing has been done since then,” they stated.
A follow-up reminder letter was reportedly sent on August 18, 2025, but was met with silence.
Another major source of contention is the delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement with non-teaching staff. According to JAC, while the Federal Government has already concluded renegotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), it has refused to meaningfully engage NASU and SSANU.
“The Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee held only one meeting with us on December 10, 2024, and has since gone into limbo,” the unions said.
They accused the government of deliberate exclusion and discrimination, despite submitting all required documents and memoranda.
In light of these issues, JAC has served a formal seven-day strike notice, effective from Monday, September 15, 2025.
“Failing government response, NASU and SSANU members will embark on a series of legitimate industrial actions, including strike,” the statement concluded.
