No Going Back On Planned Strike, Varsity Workers Warn

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has threatened to proceed with its planned nationwide strike if the federal government fails to conclude ongoing renegotiations within the stipulated time frame.

The senior workers declared that there would be no reversal of their position.

The association’s National Executive Council (NEC), which met in Abuja, said discussions with government representatives remain unresolved, despite public claims to the contrary.

It cautioned against what it described as misleading reports indicating that an agreement, including a proposed 30 per cent allowance increase, had been finalised.

SSANU, in a communique signed by its national president, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, stressed that any outcome falling short of mutually agreed terms would be rejected, reiterating its commitment to due process and collective bargaining.

The association further maintained that the integrity of the negotiation process must be preserved to ensure fairness for its members across Nigerian universities.

The communique reads in parts, “The renegotiation process with the federal government is still ongoing and has not been concluded. NEC expressed serious concern over attempts in the public domain to portray the process as concluded, particularly through the circulation of a letter suggesting approval of a 30 per cent increase in allowances.

“SSANU will not accept any outcome that falls below the negotiated understanding reached in the course of the renegotiation process.

“Should the federal government fail to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreements within the stated period, SSANU will have no alternative but to commence an indefinite, comprehensive and total industrial action.”

The NEC urged members nationwide to remain calm but be prepared to fully comply with union directives, describing unity as critical to advancing their demands.

LEADERSHIP reports that the latest warning followed a 30-day ultimatum issued by SSANU, giving the federal government until April 30, 2026, to conclude renegotiations and sign agreements.

The ultimatum was intended to address longstanding concerns over welfare, allowances and conditions of service for non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.

The association warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger an indefinite and total strike.

In a similar development, the executive council also passed a vote of confidence in its leadership, led by Ibrahim.