In a bold and resolute move, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) have issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria, demanding immediate action on a series of unresolved welfare issues and unpaid allowances. The ultimatum, which commenced on Monday, September 15, 2025, signals the unions’ growing frustration with what they describe as the government’s indifference to their legitimate concerns. The joint statement, signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim, highlights grievances such as the uneven distribution of N50 billion in earned allowances, the non-payment of withheld salaries, and significant delays in implementing promised salary increments of 25 and 35 percent.
This development underscores a deepening crisis within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, where non-teaching staff have repeatedly voiced concerns over being marginalized in favor of their academic counterparts, particularly members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The unions’ ultimatum has raised fears of another potential disruption in Nigeria’s university system, which has already been plagued by recurrent strikes and industrial actions over the years. SSANU President Ibrahim, in a separate statement, warned that the planned action, should the government fail to meet their demands, would not merely be the “mother of all strikes” but the “grandfather of all strikes,” signaling an unprecedented level of industrial action that could paralyze university operations nationwide.
Background of the Dispute
The grievances outlined by SSANU and NASU are not new but are part of a long-standing struggle between university workers and the Federal Government over fair treatment, adequate funding, and improved working conditions in Nigeria’s higher education institutions. Non-teaching staff, who include administrative officers, technicians, librarians, and other essential personnel, play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of universities. However, they have consistently argued that their contributions are undervalued compared to those of academic staff, who often receive greater attention in negotiations with the government.
The current dispute traces its roots to several unresolved agreements between the unions and the Federal Government. One of the central issues is the disbursement of N50 billion in earned allowances, which the unions claim has been unfairly distributed, with academic staff receiving a disproportionate share. Earned allowances are additional payments made to university workers to compensate for extra responsibilities or specialized roles, and their equitable distribution has been a contentious issue for years. SSANU and NASU argue that the skewed allocation has left non-teaching staff financially disadvantaged, exacerbating tensions within the university system.
Another major grievance is the non-payment of salaries withheld during previous strike actions. In 2022, both SSANU and NASU, alongside ASUU, embarked on prolonged strikes to press for better welfare packages and the implementation of agreements reached with the government. While academic staff later received partial payments for their withheld salaries following negotiations, non-teaching staff were largely excluded, a situation the unions describe as discriminatory and unjust. This disparity has fueled resentment among non-teaching staff, who feel sidelined despite their critical role in university operations.
Additionally, the unions have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement a promised salary increment of 25 percent for senior staff and 35 percent for junior staff. This increment was part of an agreement aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and improving the welfare of university workers. However, delays in its implementation have left many workers struggling to cope with Nigeria’s economic challenges, including high inflation and a weakening naira.
Chronology of Engagements and Broken Promises
The unions’ ultimatum comes after months of unsuccessful attempts to engage the Federal Government in meaningful dialogue. According to the joint letter, SSANU and NASU sent a reminder to the government on June 18, 2025, highlighting the unresolved issues and urging prompt action. In response, a meeting was convened on July 4, 2025, with the Minister of Education, representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the unions. During this meeting, it was agreed that a tripartite committee would be established to address the contentious issue of earned allowance distribution and other welfare concerns.
The formation of the committee initially raised hopes among union members that their grievances would be addressed. However, the unions now allege that the committee’s work has stalled, with no tangible progress made in resolving the disputes. To make matters worse, the government has reportedly prioritized renegotiations with ASUU, effectively sidelining SSANU and NASU. This perceived favoritism has deepened the unions’ sense of marginalization and prompted them to issue a follow-up reminder on August 18, 2025, which also went unheeded.
The lack of progress has led to growing discontent among non-teaching staff, who feel that their concerns are being deliberately ignored. In their joint statement, SSANU and NASU expressed dismay at the “apparent lack of responsiveness from the government to our legitimate concerns,” warning that their patience has been stretched to its limits. The seven-day ultimatum, effective from September 15, 2025, is thus a last resort to compel the government to act before the unions resort to industrial action.
The Threat of a “Grandfather of All Strikes”
SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim’s description of the planned action as the “grandfather of all strikes” has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s education sector. While the phrase is hyperbolic, it underscores the severity of the unions’ grievances and their determination to take decisive action if their demands are not met. Unlike previous strikes, which have typically involved temporary closures of universities, a “grandfather of all strikes” could have far-reaching consequences, potentially bringing the entire university system to a standstill.
Non-teaching staff are integral to the functioning of universities, handling critical tasks such as student registration, library services, laboratory maintenance, and administrative operations. A strike by SSANU and NASU would disrupt these services, effectively halting academic activities and causing significant delays in the academic calendar. For students, who have already endured numerous disruptions due to past strikes, this prospect is particularly alarming.
The unions’ decision to issue a seven-day ultimatum reflects their strategic approach to industrial action. By giving the government a clear deadline, SSANU and NASU aim to pressure authorities into addressing their demands without immediately resorting to a strike. However, the tone of their statement suggests that they are prepared to follow through with their threat if the government fails to act.
Implications for Nigeria’s Education Sector
The looming threat of a strike by non-teaching staff comes at a time when Nigeria’s education sector is already grappling with numerous challenges. Chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a brain drain of academic and non-academic staff have long plagued the country’s universities. Recurrent strikes have further exacerbated these issues, leading to prolonged academic disruptions and diminishing public confidence in the higher education system.
For students, the potential strike represents yet another setback in their academic journey. Many Nigerian university students have experienced multiple interruptions in their studies due to industrial actions, resulting in delayed graduations and diminished career prospects. The cumulative effect of these disruptions has also contributed to a growing sense of frustration among young Nigerians, many of whom view the government’s handling of education as a reflection of broader systemic failures.
The government’s apparent prioritization of ASUU in negotiations has also raised questions about equity within the university system. While academic staff are undeniably crucial to the education process, the contributions of non-teaching staff are equally vital. The marginalization of SSANU and NASU risks deepening divisions within universities, potentially leading to a fractured workforce that undermines institutional cohesion.
Government’s Response and Potential Solutions
As of the time of this report, the Federal Government has not issued an official response to the unions’ ultimatum. However, the Minister of Education is likely to face increasing pressure to address the situation before the deadline expires on September 22, 2025. The government’s handling of the issue will be a critical test of its commitment to resolving labor disputes in the education sector and ensuring the stability of Nigeria’s universities.
To avert a strike, the government could take several steps. First, it must prioritize the resumption of the tripartite committee’s work and ensure that SSANU and NASU are fully included in negotiations. Addressing the issue of earned allowance distribution transparently and equitably would go a long way in restoring trust among non-teaching staff. Additionally, the government should expedite the payment of withheld salaries and implement the promised salary increments without further delay.
Beyond these immediate measures, the government must adopt a more proactive approach to labor relations in the education sector. This includes honoring existing agreements, improving funding for universities, and addressing systemic issues such as infrastructure decay and staff welfare. Establishing a permanent mechanism for dialogue with all university unions, including SSANU, NASU, and ASUU, could help prevent future disputes and foster a more collaborative relationship between the government and university workers.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Economic and Social Challenges
The ultimatum issued by SSANU and NASU must also be viewed within the broader context of Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. The country has been grappling with high inflation, rising fuel prices, and a depreciating currency, all of which have eroded the purchasing power of workers across various sectors. For university staff, these economic pressures have compounded the challenges of working in an underfunded education system, making their demands for better welfare and timely payments all the more urgent.
Moreover, the education sector is not the only one facing labor unrest. In recent years, workers in healthcare, transportation, and other critical sectors have also embarked on strikes to protest poor working conditions and unpaid salaries. This wave of industrial actions reflects a broader crisis of governance and resource allocation in Nigeria, where public sector workers often bear the brunt of systemic inefficiencies.
Voices from the Ground
To understand the human impact of the ongoing dispute, it is worth considering the perspectives of non-teaching staff themselves. Many SSANU and NASU members have expressed feelings of frustration and betrayal, noting that their contributions to the university system are often overlooked. A librarian at a major Nigerian university, who requested anonymity, described the situation as “demoralizing.” “We work tirelessly to keep the university running, but when it comes to negotiations, we are treated as second-class citizens,” she said.
Similarly, a technician at another institution lamented the financial strain caused by unpaid allowances and delayed salary increments. “With the way prices are rising, it’s impossible to survive on our current salaries. The government needs to understand that we have families to feed and bills to pay,” he said.
These sentiments reflect the broader discontent among non-teaching staff, who feel that their sacrifices and contributions are not adequately recognized. For many, the ultimatum represents a last-ditch effort to secure the respect and support they deserve.
The Road Ahead
As the seven-day ultimatum counts down, all eyes are on the Federal Government to see how it will respond to the demands of SSANU and NASU. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for Nigeria’s education sector and the broader labor landscape. A resolution that addresses the unions’ grievances could pave the way for greater stability in universities, while a failure to act could trigger a major disruption with far-reaching consequences.
For students, parents, and other stakeholders, the prospect of another strike is a source of anxiety. Many are calling on both the government and the unions to prioritize dialogue and compromise to avoid further harm to an already fragile education system. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Nigeria’s universities can avoid the “grandfather of all strikes” and chart a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
