University Non-Academic Staff Unions Declare Nationwide Protest Over Unmet Demands
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced a nationwide one-day protest for Thursday, October 9, 2025, in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address their longstanding demands.
Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions have instructed their branches to convene emergency congresses on Wednesday, October 8, to mobilise members for the protest. Planned activities include campus-wide marches, placard displays, and press briefings.
The decision follows a review of government responses during JAC’s meeting on October 6. The unions noted that despite multiple ultimatums, key issues remain unresolved. These include:
- Alleged unfair disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances
- Delay in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreement
- Non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries
- Arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increases
- Non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022
A seven-day ultimatum issued in mid-September was later extended by 14 days, which expired on October 6. Despite two meetings by the government’s consultative committee with the unions—on September 19 and October 6—there has been little progress.
In a circular released on October 6, the unions directed all members across federal and state universities, as well as inter-university centres, to participate fully in the protest. They emphasised that unity and mass mobilisation are critical to achieving results.
Union leaders expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment. They warned that failure to resolve the issues could lead to an indefinite strike, highlighting the deep dissatisfaction among non-academic staff.
They further criticised the deteriorating welfare of university non-teaching staff, describing their situation as dire, both economically and psychologically.
SSANU and NASU, like other education sector unions, continue to clash with the government over issues of welfare, salary arrears, and funding shortfalls within the university system.
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