SSANU issues strike ultimatum over marginalisation, unpaid N50bn allowances

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has threatened to shut down public universities in early 2026 if the Federal Government fails to release the outstanding ₦50 billion Earned Allowances and conclude a credible renegotiation of its members’ conditions of service by December 31, 2025.

In a communiqué issued after its 53rd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Jos, Plateau State, and signed by its President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU accused the government of “deliberate and persistent exclusion of non-teaching staff” in key policy decisions, negotiations, and funding for the university system.

The union warned that it would embark on “total, comprehensive, and system-wide industrial action” if the government fails to address its demands.

According to the communiqué, SSANU expressed deep dissatisfaction with the longstanding marginalisation of non-teaching workers, insisting that the ₦50 billion agreed in the 2022 MoU/MoA must be released without delay.

It also demanded that Inter-University Centres and research institutes—previously excluded—be fully included in the next disbursement.

The union accused the government of giving preferential treatment to academic unions, noting that the expanded renegotiation committee has made no substantial commitments to SSANU.

It warned that failure to conclude credible renegotiations before the year’s end would force the union into industrial action to “defend the rights and dignity” of its members.

SSANU also expressed concern over increasing insecurity in schools, citing recent kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi States as further evidence of systemic failure.

The union called for enhanced campus security, deployment of surveillance technology, and comprehensive health and life insurance for staff.

Reacting to the Federal Ministry of Education’s proposal for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements in universities, SSANU cautioned that no worker must lose their job or suffer downgraded conditions, promising to resist any policy introduced without full labour consultation.

The union criticised persistent underfunding in universities, highlighting dilapidated hostels, poor power and water supply, outdated laboratories, and deteriorating security infrastructure.

It demanded predictable budgetary releases and strict accountability to reverse the decay.

Amid rising inflation and stagnant wages, the NEC also called for an urgent salary review and expanded social protection for education sector workers.

While reaffirming readiness to support national development efforts, SSANU stressed that cooperation cannot coexist with neglect, warning that it will not hesitate to take lawful action if its concerns remain unaddressed.