On September 15, 2025, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), under the umbrella of their Joint Action Committee (JAC), issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The unions warned that failure to address their long-standing demands by September 22, 2025, would result in a nationwide shutdown of public universities and inter-university centers. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the non-teaching staff unions and the federal government, highlighting deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The ultimatum, detailed in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, underscores a series of unresolved grievances that have persisted for years, threatening the stability of Nigeria’s public university system. The letter, dated September 12, 2025, and signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters A. Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, accuses the government of demonstrating a lack of seriousness in addressing the welfare of non-teaching staff. The unions’ demands center on three key issues: the non-renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements, the exclusion of inter-university centers from the disbursement of ₦50 billion in earned allowances, and the non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of the issues raised by SSANU and NASU, the historical context of their grievances, the implications of a potential strike, and the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education system. It also examines the government’s response—or lack thereof—and the potential consequences for students, academic staff, and the nation’s educational landscape.
Background: The Role of SSANU and NASU in Nigerian Universities
To fully understand the significance of the unions’ ultimatum, it is essential to recognize the critical roles that SSANU and NASU play in Nigeria’s public universities. SSANU represents senior non-academic staff, including administrative officers, accountants, librarians, and technical personnel, who are vital to the smooth operation of university systems. NASU, on the other hand, represents a broader spectrum of non-academic staff, including clerical workers, cleaners, security personnel, and other support staff in universities and associated institutions. Together, these unions ensure that the administrative, logistical, and operational frameworks of universities function effectively, complementing the work of academic staff.
The non-teaching staff are often referred to as the backbone of university operations, handling essential tasks such as student registration, financial management, library services, laboratory maintenance, and campus security. Without their contributions, universities would struggle to deliver quality education and maintain their day-to-day activities. However, despite their indispensable role, non-teaching staff have frequently expressed frustration over what they perceive as neglect by the federal government, particularly in matters of welfare, remuneration, and working conditions.
The current ultimatum stems from a long history of strained relations between the unions and the government, marked by unfulfilled promises, delayed payments, and stalled negotiations. These issues have led to multiple industrial actions in the past, disrupting academic calendars and affecting millions of students across Nigeria.
The Grievances: A Detailed Examination
The JAC’s letter outlines three primary grievances that have fueled the unions’ decision to issue the ultimatum. Each issue reflects deeper systemic challenges within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector and the government’s approach to labor relations.
Non-Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements
The 2009 Agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the unions (NASU and SSANU) were intended to address critical issues such as salary structures, allowances, and working conditions for non-teaching staff in universities. These agreements were the result of extensive negotiations aimed at improving the welfare of university workers and ensuring industrial harmony. However, 16 years later, the government has failed to renegotiate these agreements, despite repeated calls from the unions to do so.
The renegotiation of the 2009 Agreements is crucial because it would address outdated salary scales and allowances that no longer reflect the economic realities of 2025. Nigeria’s inflation rate, which has fluctuated significantly in recent years, has eroded the purchasing power of university workers, making it difficult for them to meet basic needs. The unions argue that the government’s failure to revisit these agreements demonstrates a lack of commitment to improving the welfare of non-teaching staff, who are essential to the functioning of universities.
The prolonged delay in renegotiating the agreements has also created a sense of distrust between the unions and the government. SSANU and NASU have repeatedly accused the government of prioritizing the demands of academic staff, represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), over those of non-teaching staff. This perceived favoritism has deepened the unions’ frustration and fueled their resolve to take industrial action if their demands are not met.
Exclusion of Inter-University Centers from ₦50 Billion Earned Allowances
Another major grievance is the exclusion of inter-university centers from the disbursement of ₦50 billion in earned allowances. These allowances, intended to compensate university workers for additional responsibilities and specialized roles, were approved by the federal government as part of efforts to address labor disputes in the education sector. However, the unions claim that the disbursement process has been skewed, with inter-university centers—specialized institutions that conduct research and provide support services to universities—being left out.
Inter-university centers, such as the National Earthquake Engineering Simulation Consortium (NEESC) and other research-focused institutions, employ non-teaching staff who are members of SSANU and NASU. These workers perform critical functions, such as managing research facilities, maintaining equipment, and supporting academic programs. The unions argue that excluding these centers from the earned allowances is unjust and discriminatory, as it denies their members access to funds that other university workers have received.
The issue of earned allowances has been a recurring point of contention in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. In previous disputes, both academic and non-academic staff unions have accused the government of mismanaging or unevenly distributing funds meant for allowances. The current situation, according to SSANU and NASU, is a continuation of this trend, further exacerbating tensions between the unions and the government.
Non-Payment of Two Months’ Withheld Salaries
Perhaps the most immediate concern for the unions is the non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries. These salaries were withheld during a previous strike action, likely as a punitive measure by the government to deter industrial action. The withholding of salaries is a contentious issue in Nigeria’s labor relations, as it is often perceived by unions as an attempt to intimidate workers and suppress their right to strike.
The unions argue that the withheld salaries represent a significant financial burden for their members, many of whom rely on their monthly earnings to support their families. The non-payment of these salaries has also created a sense of betrayal, as the unions claim that the government had promised to address this issue during previous negotiations. The failure to honor these commitments has further eroded trust and heightened the unions’ resolve to pursue industrial action.
The Ultimatum: A Timeline of Events
The JAC’s ultimatum is the culmination of months of unsuccessful attempts to engage the federal government in meaningful dialogue. The unions’ letter provides a detailed timeline of their efforts to resolve these issues amicably, highlighting the government’s apparent lack of responsiveness.
On June 18, 2025, the JAC wrote to the Minister of Education, drawing attention to the outstanding labor issues affecting their members. This letter prompted a meeting on July 4, 2025, between the Minister of Education, the JAC, and other stakeholders. During the meeting, the unions reiterated their demands, focusing on the three key issues outlined above. A resolution was reached to establish a tripartite committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the JAC, to address the skewed disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances.
However, the unions note that no progress has been made since the July 4 meeting. The tripartite committee has not been convened, and the government has not taken any concrete steps to address the unions’ demands. In response to this perceived inaction, the JAC sent a reminder letter on August 18, 2025, urging the government to act swiftly. The lack of response to this letter prompted the unions to issue the seven-day ultimatum, effective from September 15, 2025.
The ultimatum serves as a final warning to the government, giving them until September 22, 2025, to address the unions’ demands. If the government fails to act, SSANU and NASU have vowed to embark on a series of industrial actions, including strikes, which could paralyze operations in public universities and inter-university centers across the country.
The Government’s Response: A Pattern of Inaction?
The JAC’s letter accuses the Minister of Education of demonstrating “levity” in handling the welfare of non-teaching staff. This accusation reflects a broader sentiment among the unions that the government has consistently failed to prioritize the needs of non-academic workers. The unions’ frustration is compounded by what they perceive as a pattern of broken promises and delayed action.
During the July 4 meeting, the Minister of Education reportedly pledged to expedite action on the payment of the 25/35% salary increment arrears, another issue raised by the unions. However, no progress has been made on this front, further fueling the unions’ distrust. The government’s silence in the face of the unions’ repeated calls for dialogue has only served to escalate tensions, pushing the unions closer to industrial action.
The federal government’s handling of labor disputes in the education sector has been a subject of criticism for years. Previous administrations have faced similar challenges, with strikes by ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and other unions becoming a recurring feature of Nigeria’s academic calendar. These strikes have often resulted in prolonged closures of universities, disrupting academic programs and delaying graduations for thousands of students.
The current situation raises questions about the government’s strategy for managing labor relations in the education sector. Critics argue that the government’s approach—marked by delays, partial implementation of agreements, and a lack of proactive engagement—has contributed to the cycle of industrial actions. Addressing the unions’ demands in a timely and transparent manner could help break this cycle and restore stability to Nigeria’s universities.
Implications of a Potential Strike
A nationwide shutdown of public universities by SSANU and NASU would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s higher education system. The immediate impact would be felt by students, who could face disruptions to their academic programs, including lectures, examinations, and administrative services. For final-year students, a strike could delay graduation, affecting their plans for further studies or entry into the workforce.
Academic staff, represented by ASUU, could also be indirectly affected, as the absence of non-teaching staff would make it difficult to carry out essential university functions. For example, administrative processes such as course registration, result processing, and library services would grind to a halt, creating a ripple effect across the university system.
Beyond the immediate impact on students and staff, a strike could exacerbate the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Public universities in Nigeria are already grappling with issues such as inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a brain drain of academic and non-academic staff. A prolonged industrial action could further erode public confidence in the university system, pushing more students to seek education abroad or in private institutions.
The economic implications of a strike should not be overlooked. Universities are significant employers, and a shutdown would affect not only the staff directly involved but also local businesses that rely on the university community for patronage. In addition, the disruption of research activities in inter-university centers could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancement.
Historical Context: A Cycle of Strikes and Negotiations
The current ultimatum by SSANU and NASU is part of a broader pattern of labor disputes in Nigeria’s education sector. Over the past two decades, strikes by university unions have become a common occurrence, driven by issues such as unpaid salaries, inadequate funding, and poor working conditions. ASUU, in particular, has been at the forefront of these disputes, with strikes in 2018, 2020, and 2022 causing significant disruptions to the academic calendar.
However, non-teaching staff unions like SSANU and NASU have also been active in advocating for their members’ rights. In 2022, for example, both unions embarked on a strike to protest the non-payment of earned allowances and the government’s failure to implement agreements reached during previous negotiations. The strike, which lasted several months, was eventually called off after the government made partial concessions, including the release of some withheld salaries.
The recurrence of these issues highlights the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The government’s approach to labor disputes—often characterized by last-minute interventions and temporary solutions—has failed to address the root causes of the unions’ grievances. As a result, the education sector remains in a state of perpetual crisis, with students and staff bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Broader Challenges in Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Sector
The grievances raised by SSANU and NASU are symptomatic of deeper issues within Nigeria’s higher education system. One of the most pressing challenges is inadequate funding. Public universities in Nigeria rely heavily on government allocations, which have consistently fallen short of the sector’s needs. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommends that countries allocate at least 15-20% of their annual budgets to education, but Nigeria’s education budget has historically been far below this benchmark, often hovering around 5-7%.
The lack of funding has had a cascading effect on university operations, leading to dilapidated infrastructure, outdated equipment, and poor working conditions for staff. Non-teaching staff, in particular, often work in environments that lack basic facilities, such as functional offices, reliable electricity, and adequate security. These conditions not only affect staff morale but also undermine the quality of education delivered to students.
Another challenge is the brain drain of skilled personnel from Nigeria’s universities. Low salaries, delayed payments, and poor working conditions have driven many academic and non-academic staff to seek opportunities abroad or in the private sector. This loss of talent has further weakened the capacity of public universities to deliver quality education and conduct meaningful research.
The government’s handling of labor relations in the education sector has also been a source of contention. The frequent use of “no work, no pay” policies, such as the withholding of salaries during strikes, has been criticized by unions as punitive and counterproductive. Instead of fostering dialogue and collaboration, these policies have often deepened mistrust between the government and university workers.
Potential Solutions and the Way Forward
To avert the impending strike and address the unions’ grievances, the federal government must take immediate and decisive action. The following steps could help de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a resolution:
Convene the Tripartite Committee: The government should urgently convene the tripartite committee agreed upon during the July 4 meeting to address the disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances. Ensuring that inter-university centers are included in the disbursement process would demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equity.
Release Withheld Salaries: The payment of the two months’ withheld salaries should be prioritized to alleviate the financial hardship faced by non-teaching staff. This gesture would also signal the government’s willingness to honor its commitments.
Renegotiate the 2009 Agreements: The government should initiate the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements without further delay. These negotiations should involve all relevant stakeholders, including the unions, the Ministry of Education, and the NUC, to ensure that the revised agreements reflect current economic realities.
Improve Funding for Universities: Addressing the broader issue of inadequate funding for universities is essential to resolving the systemic challenges facing the sector. The government should increase budgetary allocations to education and ensure that funds are used effectively to improve infrastructure, staff welfare, and academic programs.
Establish a Proactive Engagement Mechanism: To prevent future disputes, the government should establish a permanent mechanism for engaging with university unions. Regular dialogue and consultation would help address issues before they escalate into industrial actions.
In addition to these steps, the government should work to rebuild trust with the unions by demonstrating transparency and accountability in its dealings. The repeated failure to implement agreements has eroded confidence in the government’s intentions, making it imperative to follow through on promises in a timely manner.
Conclusion
The seven-day ultimatum issued by SSANU and NASU represents a critical juncture for Nigeria’s public university system. The unions’ demands—centered on the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreements, the inclusion of inter-university centers in earned allowances, and the payment of withheld salaries—are not only legitimate but also reflective of deeper systemic issues within the education sector. The federal government’s response to this ultimatum will determine whether Nigeria’s universities face yet another round of disruptions or move toward a more stable and productive future.
As the September 22 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will take proactive steps to address the unions’ grievances. Failure to do so could plunge the university system into chaos, with far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and the nation as a whole. Conversely, a swift and sincere response could pave the way for meaningful reforms, ensuring that Nigeria’s public universities can fulfill their mandate of providing quality education and driving national development.
The stakes are high, and the time for action is now. The government must seize this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of university workers and the future of Nigeria’s higher education system.
