The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective from May 1, 2026, over what they described as stalled negotiations with the Federal Government.
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated April 30 and jointly signed by NASU General Secretary and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim.
The notice, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that the industrial action would commence at midnight.
“With the agreement not concluded as of April 30, 2026, and with no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12:00 am on May 1, 2026,” the unions said.
The unions attributed their action to the Federal Government’s failure to conclude renegotiations and present a fresh proposal on allowances.
While acknowledging the withdrawal of an earlier circular that proposed a 30 per cent increase in the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance, they insisted that the core issues in dispute remain unresolved.
“While the letter on the withdrawal of the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance is acknowledged, no new offer has been made to supersede the 30 per cent allowances contained in the withdrawn letter,” the statement read.
NASU and SSANU also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of negotiations, noting that it fell short of expectations.
“The consensus outcome of the consultation is that our demand vis-à-vis the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been met,” they said.
According to the unions, members had earlier mandated their leadership to take decisive action if negotiations were not concluded by the end of April.
“With the agreement not concluded as of April 30, 2026, and with no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12:00 am on May 1, 2026,” they reiterated.
They accused the Federal Government of failing to avert the crisis through meaningful engagement, stressing that the strike would be total and comprehensive.
“As a result of the failure of the government to avert the strike by positively acceding to our demands, all members will commence total and comprehensive strike action from Friday, May 1, 2026,” the unions added.
