The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has directed its members nationwide to commence an indefinite strike beginning Friday, May 1, 2026.
The decision follows the failure of negotiations between union representatives and the Federal Government over the long-standing 2009 Renegotiation Agreement. A crucial meeting held on April 29 ended without a resolution, with both parties unable to reach common ground on key issues affecting non-academic staff in Nigerian universities and inter-university centres.
Tensions were further heightened after the government reportedly withdrew its earlier proposal of a 30 per cent salary increase without presenting a revised offer, a move the unions viewed as a setback in the negotiation process.
The strike directive was formally communicated in a circular dated April 30 and jointly signed by SSANU President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi. The circular described the action as “total and comprehensive,” mandating all members to withdraw their services across universities and inter-university centres.
According to the unions, the strike became inevitable after the government failed to meet the April 30 deadline earlier issued to conclude the renegotiation process. They expressed concern over what they described as prolonged delays and lack of commitment to addressing the welfare and working conditions of non-academic staff.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt administrative and support services within public universities, as SSANU and NASU members play critical roles in the day-to-day operations of higher institutions, including registry, bursary, works, and maintenance departments.
Union leaders maintained that the strike would continue indefinitely until the government demonstrates concrete commitment to concluding the renegotiation agreement and addressing outstanding demands.
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