The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU), has prolonged its strike ultimatum to the Federal Government by an additional two weeks. This extension stems from ongoing dissatisfaction with the government’s inadequate response to their welfare-related demands.
Initially, the unions had set a seven-day deadline, highlighting persistent and unresolved issues concerning staff welfare. Central to their grievances are the inequitable allocation of earned allowances and the continued delay in settling other outstanding payments owed to university staff.
In a joint communiqué signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim, the unions expressed disappointment over the government’s approach to addressing university staff welfare concerns. Ibrahim referenced a formal letter sent to authorities on June 18, 2025, which prompted a meeting with the Minister of Education on July 4. He emphasized that “the unfair distribution of earned allowances and the non-payment of pending entitlements” remain critical points of contention.
The latest development was conveyed in a letter dispatched to union branches nationwide on Tuesday, following a JAC leadership meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025. The decision to extend the ultimatum was made after consultations with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, during a meeting on Friday, September 19.
“Following our meeting on Monday, 22nd September 2025, the JAC leadership of NASU and SSANU wishes to update you on the status of our ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government,” the letter stated.
The unions reminded members of their previous notice: “In our last communication, we informed you about our letter to the Minister of Education seeking urgent intervention on outstanding labor issues affecting NASU and SSANU members across universities and inter-university centers. We issued a seven-day ultimatum, warning that failure to resolve these matters would lead to lawful industrial actions.”
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In response, the government established a joint consultative committee tasked with reviewing the unions’ demands. This committee convened on September 19, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“Upon receiving our ultimatum, the government promptly set up a joint consultative committee to examine our concerns,” the statement detailed.
“The committee’s meeting on Friday, 19th September 2025, was chaired by Mr. Abel O. Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education. Attendees included the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with other officials from the Ministry of Education.”
“While the discussions centered on our demands, no definitive resolutions were reached, necessitating further dialogue,” the unions added.
With negotiations ongoing and no substantial progress made, the unions have now extended their strike deadline by 14 days, effective from Tuesday, September 23.
“Consequently, the JAC of NASU and SSANU has resolved to prolong the ultimatum by two weeks starting today,” the letter confirmed.
“This extension is intended to give the government adequate time to commence the necessary actions to address our concerns.
“Should the government fail to meet our demands within this period, the JAC will initiate a series of lawful industrial actions immediately after the extension expires,” the unions warned.
