The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a one-day nationwide protest for Thursday, October 9, over the Federal Government’s failure to address their long-standing demands.
The decision followed a comprehensive review by the unions’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) on October 6, after the expiration of multiple ultimatums issued to the government.
In a circular to all chairmen of NASU and SSANU in universities and inter-university centres, titled “Commencement of Protest Actions”, JAC directed all branches to hold emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilise members for protest activities across campuses. These will include protest marches, placard displays, and press conferences to publicly express their grievances.
The memo, dated October 6, was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President.
It partly read, “The last circular of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational & Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) titled ‘Current Status of Our Agitations’ referenced JAC/NS/Vol. III/55, dated 22nd September 2025, refers.
“As referenced in the circular, the Federal Government was granted a 14-day extension, following the lapse of the initial 7 days to address our concerns vis-à-vis: Unjust Disbursement of N50 Billion Earned Allowances; delay in Renegotiation of Year 2009 FGN and NASU/SSANU Agreement, and -payment of Outstanding Two (2) Months’ Salaries.
“Other concerns were Non-payment of Arrears of 25% / 35% Salary Arrears; and non-payment of 3rd Party Deductions of the Two Months’ Salaries (May & June, 2022), etc.”
According to JAC, the protest was necessitated by the government’s failure to respond to its series of ultimatums, the last of which expired on Monday, October 6.
The unions said the government’s handling of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowances was unjust, adding that the delay in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–NASU/SSANU Agreement and the non-payment of withheld salaries and arrears had further deepened workers’ frustration.
They also decried the non-remittance of third-party deductions from May and June 2022 salaries, calling it an act of insensitivity to the welfare of university workers.
JAC stressed that the success of Thursday’s protest would depend on the active participation of all members across campuses, urging solidarity from its branches nationwide.
“Your active participation and engagement are crucial to the success of the protest,” the memo emphasised.
