Varsity Workers Threaten Strike in 7 Days Over FG’s Broken Promises

ByEditor

Sep 16, 2025 #Industrial Action, #NASU, #SSANU, #Strike, #Varsity Workers' Strike

Pat Stevens/

The two main non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s universities have threatened to down tools over unresolved welfare issues, giving the Federal Government seven days to act.

In a letter dated September 12, 2025, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) accused the government of unjust disbursement of earned allowances, failure to pay outstanding entitlements, and delays in implementing agreed welfare packages.

The letter, signed by SSANU National President, Muhammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, reminded the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, of earlier complaints by the Joint Action Committee of both unions.

They recalled that a meeting was held on July 4 after their June 18 letter, but key issues remain unresolved.

According to the unions, the contentious matters include the distribution of N50 billion earned allowances, withheld salaries, implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increase, and the long-awaited renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with non-teaching staff.

They noted that while a tripartite committee was set up to look into the allowances, no progress has been made, and promises to fast-track payments of withheld salaries and arrears have not been fulfilled.

They also accused the government of sidelining NASU and SSANU in renegotiations, while talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been concluded.

“Despite repeated reminders, including our letter of August 18, the government has failed to act on our concerns. This deliberate neglect is unacceptable,” the unions warned.

They cautioned that if the issues are not addressed within seven days from September 15, their members will embark on strikes and other industrial actions.