The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) alongside the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 9. This action is in response to the Federal Government’s continued neglect of their longstanding demands.
This decision emerged after a thorough evaluation by the unions’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) on October 6, following the expiration of several government deadlines that went unmet.
In an official circular addressed to all NASU and SSANU chairpersons at universities and inter-university centers, titled “Initiation of Protest Activities,” the JAC instructed all branches to convene urgent meetings on Wednesday. The goal is to rally members for coordinated protest efforts on campuses, including marches, placard demonstrations, and media briefings to highlight their grievances publicly.
The notice, dated October 6, bears the signatures of Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President.
The circular states, “Reference is made to the previous Joint Action Committee (JAC) communiqué titled ‘Current Status of Our Agitations’ (JAC/NS/Vol. III/55, dated 22nd September 2025). Following this, the Federal Government was granted an additional 14 days-after an initial 7-day ultimatum-to address critical issues including the unfair allocation of N50 billion in Earned Allowances, delays in renegotiating the 2009 FGN and NASU/SSANU Agreement, and the outstanding payment of two months’ salaries.”
“Additional concerns include the unsettled arrears of 25% and 35% salary increments, as well as the failure to remit third-party deductions for May and June 2022 salaries,” the memo added.
The JAC explained that the protest became inevitable due to the government’s disregard for repeated ultimatums, the latest of which expired on Monday, October 6.
The unions criticized the government’s inequitable distribution of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowances and the prolonged delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement, which, coupled with withheld salaries and unpaid arrears, has exacerbated the dissatisfaction among university staff.
They also condemned the government’s failure to forward third-party deductions from the May and June 2022 payrolls, describing it as a blatant disregard for the welfare of educational workers.
JAC emphasized that the effectiveness of the upcoming protest hinges on the full commitment and active involvement of members nationwide, calling for unity and collective action across all branches.
“The success of the protest depends heavily on your enthusiastic participation and solidarity,” the circular concluded.
