SSANU Threatens Indefinite Strike, Gives FG April 30 Deadline to Conclude Talks
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the federal government to conclude ongoing renegotiation talks, warning that failure to do so could trigger an indefinite nationwide strike.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s 54th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Ekiti State University (EKSU). The communiqué was signed by Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU president.
The union expressed concern over what it described as “slow and inconclusive negotiations,” noting a lack of commitment, clear timelines, and tangible outcomes.
SSANU gave the federal government until April 30 to reconvene discussions and bring the renegotiation process to a fair and time-bound conclusion.
“Should the government fail to do so within this period, the union will have no alternative but to liaise with its partner in the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU to commence an indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action,” the communiqué read.
The union also decried persistent delays in salary payments and withheld entitlements, saying the situation has caused hardship for members, weakened morale, and reduced productivity across the university system.
“Council notes that these recurring delays have imposed severe hardship on members and their families, weakened morale, and undermined productivity,” the communiqué added.
SSANU demanded the immediate settlement of all outstanding salary-related issues and called for the establishment of a reliable and unified salary payment structure. It also recommended the adoption of the Remita platform to improve the efficiency and transparency of salary disbursement.
On earned allowances, the union criticised the federal government’s handling of the N50 billion approved in 2022, noting that disbursement has been neither complete nor equitable. It further faulted the exclusion of Inter-University Centres and Research Institutes, insisting that all eligible workers must be included.
The NEC also highlighted worsening economic conditions driven by inflation and rising living costs, which it said have significantly eroded the purchasing power of university workers.
“Council calls on the government to urgently implement practical relief measures, including wage reviews, improved social protection, and targeted interventions to cushion the effects of current economic realities,” the union said.
SSANU further raised concerns about growing insecurity within and around university campuses, urging federal and state governments, as well as university authorities, to strengthen security infrastructure through improved surveillance, lighting, perimeter protection, and rapid response systems, alongside better welfare for security personnel.
Reaffirming its broader demands, the union called for the immediate resumption and conclusion of renegotiation talks, resolution of salary delays and withheld entitlements, fair disbursement of earned allowances, protection of jobs under any reform framework, and the establishment of a standing consultative mechanism to ensure continuous dialogue.
The union noted that it has exercised patience despite mounting challenges but warned that it is prepared to take decisive action if the government fails to meet its demands within the stipulated timeframe.