Nigerian university staff, led by NASU and SSANU, declare a nationwide protest on October 9 over unresolved salary and welfare issues.

The Nigerian university staff protest organised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Educational and Associated Institutions is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.

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The unions, acting under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), have directed all branches nationwide to convene emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilise members for the one-day protest, which will feature campus marches, placard displays, and press briefings.

The decision follows a review of the government’s response to longstanding demands, many of which remain unresolved despite several ultimatums.

Key grievances include alleged unfair disbursement of a N50 billion allowance, delays in renegotiating agreements dating back to 2009, unpaid salaries for two months, outstanding salary increments of 25 and 35 per cent, and the non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

The unions had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum on September 15, which was extended by an additional 14 days, expiring on October 6 without resolution.

In a circular dated October 6, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, full participation in the protest was mandated.

The memo stated that despite meetings with the Joint Consultative Committee established by the Education Minister, progress remains “little,” prompting the call for action.

SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim criticised the government’s lack of sincerity and warned of the potential for an indefinite strike if demands continue to be ignored.

“Ours will not be the ‘mother of all strikes’; it will be the grandfather of all strikes,” he said, highlighting the critical plight of non-academic staff who are “the worst hit financially, economically, and psychologically.”

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Like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), NASU and SSANU have long been at odds with the Federal Government over funding and welfare issues affecting Nigerian universities.