SSANU ultimatum FG strike warning as union sets April deadline over salaries, funding and agreements in universities
The National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Muhammad Ibrahim, on Sunday in Ado Ekiti announced that the union has issued a final ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of imminent industrial action if unresolved labour issues are not addressed within a month.
Also read: SSANU raises alarm over delayed February salaries
The directive, contained in a communiqué following the union’s 54th National Executive Council meeting at Ekiti State University, signals a critical escalation in the SSANU ultimatum FG strike dispute.
SSANU said the government has from April 1 to April 30, 2026, to conclude ongoing renegotiations with non-teaching university unions and sign a binding agreement.
“Prolonged discussions without results are unacceptable,” the communiqué stated, adding that there would be no reversal of its decision in conjunction with its Joint Action Committee partner.
The union expressed deep concern over persistent salary delays affecting staff in federal and some state universities, describing the situation as a source of severe hardship that has weakened morale and productivity.
It demanded immediate payment of outstanding wages and the establishment of a reliable, unified salary structure, recommending the adoption of a centralised payment platform.
SSANU also criticised the handling of earned allowances, particularly the partial implementation of the ₦50bn disbursement agreed in 2022, noting that some institutions and research centres were excluded.
Beyond labour concerns, the union highlighted broader systemic challenges, including chronic underfunding, deteriorating infrastructure and declining research capacity in Nigerian universities.
The communiqué described these issues as a major threat to quality education and warned that institutions are falling behind globally due to poor digital infrastructure and limited investment in innovation.
On security, SSANU raised alarm over rising violence across the country and called for stronger measures to protect lives, including improved safety on university campuses.
The union also rejected reforms that could lead to job losses or casualisation, insisting that workers’ rights must be protected under any restructuring framework.
In a decisive tone, SSANU reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with the Nigeria Labour Congress but stressed that patience among members is wearing thin.
“SSANU has demonstrated maturity and goodwill, but will not hesitate to embark on lawful industrial action if its demands are not met,” the statement said.
The SSANU ultimatum FG strike warning comes amid renewed labour tensions in the education sector, with fears mounting over a potential nationwide disruption if negotiations fail.
Also read: SSANU, NASU protest over unpaid allowances
Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether dialogue prevails or universities face another shutdown.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
