SSANU, NASU Reject 30% Salary Hike, Threaten Strike

University workers have thrown down the gauntlet to the Federal Government, rejecting a controversial 30 percent salary increase offer and threatening to shut down public universities nationwide if their demands are not met.

The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union described the development as shocking and unacceptable in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

“We write with utmost respect to draw your urgent attention to the letter being circulated on social media, purportedly signed by you,” the unions wrote. “The JAC of NASU and SSANU expresses shock at this unhealthy development and unequivocally rejects the arbitrary award.”

Negotiations still ongoing

The unions stressed that the purported increment did not emanate from ongoing negotiations and warned that any attempt to enforce it would violate established labour processes. Negotiations between the Federal Government and university-based unions are currently being handled by a committee chaired by Dr Yayale Ahmed.

“We have not reached any conclusion warranting the award, which is alien to the tradition of collective bargaining,” the letter stated. “We are not part of it, and the two unions are not ready to take anything less than what may be agreed upon collectively with the negotiation committee.”

The JAC demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circulating document to prevent further confusion within the university system.

April 30 ultimatum stands

Reaffirming their earlier position, the unions reminded the government of a March 27 ultimatum, giving authorities until April 30 to conclude negotiations on the long-standing 2009 agreement.

“Any delay beyond this may disrupt industrial peace in our universities and inter-university centres from 1st May, 2026,” the statement read.

While academic unions often dominate public attention, SSANU and NASU have consistently raised concerns about marginalisation, particularly in salary reviews and earned allowances. Labour experts note that unilateral announcements often inflame tensions because they undermine trust in the negotiation process.

Sources: Punch, Newsposl, Blueprint, New Telegraph