The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a fresh strike notice to the Federal Government, warning of an impending indefinite nationwide shutdown of public universities if ongoing negotiations are not concluded by the end of April.
The union also dismissed reports claiming a 30 per cent allowance increase for its members, describing the information as misleading and a violation of due process.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué released after SSANU’s Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 18 in Abuja and signed by its National President, Mohammed Ibrahim.
According to Ibrahim, negotiations with the Federal Government on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement are still ongoing and far from being finalised.
He revealed that the union has held no fewer than seven meetings with the government’s negotiating team since October 2024, covering both financial and non-financial issues affecting members’ welfare.
The NEC expressed concern over what it described as attempts to mislead the public into believing that discussions had been concluded, particularly with the circulation of reports about a purported 30 per cent allowance approval.
Ibrahim stressed that no agreement can be considered valid until it is formally concluded and jointly endorsed by both parties.
He described the claims of an approved allowance as “shocking” and inappropriate, warning that such narratives undermine the integrity of the collective bargaining process.
“Discussions are still ongoing, and no binding agreement has been reached,” he said, reaffirming the union’s commitment to due process and lawful engagement.
SSANU maintained that negotiations must follow established procedures, warning that any attempt to impose decisions outside that framework would be resisted.
The union, alongside the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), had earlier issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude negotiations before the end of April.
Reiterating that stance, Ibrahim said SSANU would mobilise its members to withdraw services across all public universities and inter-university centres—both federal and state-owned—if the deadline is not met.
He added that mobilisation efforts are also being extended to polytechnics and colleges of education, amid concerns over alleged attempts to divide workers within the tertiary education sector.
Highlighting the role of non-academic staff, Ibrahim noted that SSANU members are responsible for critical university operations, including admissions processing, results management, NYSC mobilisation, healthcare services, security, and overall administration.
He decried what he termed the persistent marginalisation of non-teaching staff, insisting that they remain central to the smooth functioning of the university system.
The union leader also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the concerns of university workers are addressed.
Ibrahim maintained that SSANU members remain united and resolute, warning that the union would not accept any outcome that falls short of agreed expectations as the April deadline approaches.
