University Workers’ Union Gives FG Ultimatum Over Failed Renegotiation

University Workers’ Union Gives FG Ultimatum Over Failed Renegotiation

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, insisting that ongoing negotiations on university workers’ welfare must be concluded by April 30, 2026, or face a nationwide industrial action.

The warning followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, where leaders reviewed the status of the long-running renegotiation process between university-based unions and the Federal Government.

In a communiqué signed by SSANU National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, the union stressed that contrary to reports circulating in the public space, the renegotiation process has not been concluded and no final agreement has been signed.

The union also dismissed claims suggesting that a 30 percent increase in allowances had already been approved, describing such reports as misleading and not reflective of the ongoing discussions.

SSANU warned that it will not accept any outcome that falls below the agreed expectations reached during negotiations, insisting that principles of fairness, collective bargaining, and due process must be respected by the Federal Government.

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The NEC reaffirmed its earlier ultimatum issued alongside the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, giving the government from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to conclude negotiations and sign a binding agreement.

It warned that failure to meet the deadline would leave both unions with no option but to embark on an indefinite, comprehensive, and total strike action across Nigerian universities, potentially disrupting academic and administrative activities nationwide.

SSANU further urged its members across all branches to remain calm, vigilant, and united, while preparing to fully comply with any directive issued by the union leadership in defence of their welfare and professional dignity.

The union also reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice through dialogue but insisted that it would not hesitate to act if the Federal Government fails to demonstrate urgency in addressing the outstanding issues.

The dispute is largely centered on unresolved demands relating to salary structure adjustments, welfare packages, earned allowances, and poor funding of Nigerian universities, which SSANU says have remained pending for years.

Education stakeholders have warned that another breakdown in negotiations could once again trigger widespread disruptions in the Nigerian university system, which has experienced repeated strikes in recent years.

University Workers’ Union Gives FG Ultimatum Over Failed Renegotiation