SSANU, NASU Extend Strike as FG Remains Hopeful on ASUU Resolution

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non‑Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have extended their strike ultimatum to the Federal Government, reiterating demands for overdue agreements to be honoured and better working conditions for non‑teaching university staff. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed optimism that a resolution with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will soon bring about industrial peace in Nigeria’s university system.

SSANU and NASU, operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for non‑teaching staff unions, congratulated ASUU on the recent signing of a renegotiated agreement with the government aimed at improving academic staff welfare. They called for similar attention to their own unresolved negotiations, warning that failure to extend the same “olive branch” could destabilise industrial harmony across campuses nationwide.

The Federal Government has been pursuing a comprehensive settlement with ASUU, culminating in the conclusion of negotiations on the long‑standing 2009 ASUU‑FGN Agreement late in 2025. The new pact, which includes salary reviews and improved benefits — is expected to take effect from January 2026 and is widely seen as a major step toward ending recurrent university strikes.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa has reiterated the government’s commitment to honouring negotiated agreements and ensuring that industrial actions that disrupt academic calendars become a thing of the past, emphasising that reforms and funding provisions have been put in place to address key union concerns.

Analysts say that while ASUU’s breakthrough agreement with the government has raised hopes for improved stability, full implementation and similar progress with SSANU and NASU negotiations will be crucial in securing long‑term peace across all university staff unions.

FAQs: SSANU, NASU Strike and FG‑ASUU Negotiations

Why did SSANU and NASU extend their strike ultimatum?

SSANU and NASU extended their industrial action ultimatum in response to delays and dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of negotiated agreements and welfare concerns, following ASUU’s own negotiations. They urged the FG to apply similar reforms to non‑academic staff to maintain harmony.

What recent progress has been made with ASUU?

The Federal Government and ASUU concluded renegotiations on the 2009 ASUU‑FGN Agreement in December 2025. A comprehensive new agreement — including a proposed 40 % salary increase and improved conditions of service is set to be implemented starting January 2026, raising hopes for reduced strike actions.

How is the government responding to the strikes?

The FG has expressed optimism that the ASUU agreement will usher in stability and has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to dialogue and honouring negotiated pacts to avoid educational disruptions. Officials say they are also addressing broader sector reforms.

Will the new ASUU agreement prevent future strikes?

While stakeholders are hopeful that the new pact will reduce the likelihood of future industrial actions, experts note that effective implementation and addressing the outstanding concerns of other unions (SSANU and NASU) will be key to lasting stability.

What happens next with SSANU and NASU?

SSANU and NASU have urged the FG to expedite negotiations on their own agreements, warning that prolonged delay could lead them to escalate their industrial action further if their conditions remain unmet.

Related Article: ASUU Opposes Education Loan, Demands Withheld Salaries

Summary

While advances have been made in resolving the protracted dispute between the Federal Government and ASUU, particularly with a new agreement ready for implementation, the ongoing concerns of non‑academic staff unions like SSANU and NASU demonstrate that broader engagement and full consensus among all university unions will be essential to securing industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian universities.