The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over unresolved labour disputes and worsening conditions in Nigeria’s public universities.
The warning followed the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting, held at Ekiti State University in Ekiti State. In a communiqué released on March 29, 2026 and signed by SSANU National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, the union expressed concern over the slow progress of negotiations with the government.
It described the ongoing talks as unsatisfactory, noting that “it expresses grave concern over the slow pace and inconclusive nature of the ongoing renegotiation between the Federal Government and the non-teaching unions in the university system,” adding that delays are no longer acceptable.
SSANU went further to issue a deadline to the Federal Government, stating that “SSANU hereby issues a final ultimatum to the Federal Government from 1st April, 2026 to 30th April, 2026 to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreement.”
The union warned that failure to meet the deadline could lead to industrial action, stressing that “there will be no going back on this decision by the JAC of NASU and SSANU.”
The association also raised concerns over persistent salary delays affecting workers, saying “these recurring delays have imposed severe hardship on members and their families, weakened morale, and undermined productivity across the university system.”
It demanded immediate payment of outstanding salaries and urged the government to adopt a more efficient payment system, recommending a “reliable and unified salary payment structure” through the Remita platform.
On earned allowances, SSANU criticised the handling of the N50bn approved in 2022, stating that “the union expresses dissatisfaction with the failure of Government to fully and fairly implement the disbursement,” while also faulting the exclusion of some institutions.
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The union further highlighted the impact of economic hardship on workers, noting “the worsening economic hardship in the country,” and called for wage reviews and stronger social protection measures.
It also lamented the poor funding of universities, warning that it has resulted in “decaying infrastructure, weak service delivery, and inadequate support for teaching, research, innovation, and administration,” and urged better funding of the sector.
Security concerns were also raised, with the union pointing to increasing cases of violence nationwide, including “terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and other tragic attacks,” calling on authorities to take stronger action.
SSANU additionally called for improved safety within campuses, recommending enhanced surveillance and better security systems to protect students and staff.
The union warned that Nigerian universities are falling behind globally due to inadequate investment in digital infrastructure and research, urging urgent reforms to bridge the gap.
Reaffirming its position, SSANU pledged to continue working with the Nigeria Labour Congress while urging members to remain “united, disciplined, vigilant, and committed to the ideals of the Union.”
It also rejected any policy that could lead to job losses or casualisation, opposing reforms that may erode workers’ rights and conditions of service.
Looking ahead, the union demanded urgent action from the government, stating, “NEC demands the immediate reconvening of the renegotiation process; prompt resolution of salary delays, withheld salaries, and increments; fair disbursement of earned allowances to all eligible workers, protection of jobs under any reform framework; and the establishment of a standing consultative mechanism between Govemment and university unions for continuous dialogue and early dispute resolution.”
In its closing remarks, SSANU warned that continued neglect would no longer be tolerated, urging the government to act swiftly and decisively.
“The Federal Government is hereby called upon to take immediate, sincere, and decisive steps to conclude the renegotiation process, settle all outstanding entitlements, and restore confidence in its commitment to industrial justice,” the statement added.
It concluded that while the union has shown patience, it “will not hesitate to embark on decisive and lawful industrial action” if its demands are ignored.
This development comes amid growing tension in the university system, as other academic unions have also issued warnings over unresolved welfare and salary issues.