SSANU, NASU Begin Indefinite Strike Over 2009 Agreement Delay

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, citing the Federal Government’s delay in concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with university-based unions.

In a joint announcement issued on Thursday, the unions expressed frustration over what they described as years of neglect and unfulfilled promises, noting that repeated engagements with the Federal Government of Nigeria had failed to yield concrete results.

SSANU and NASU leaders said the decision to embark on industrial action followed extensive consultations with their members across public universities, adding that the strike would take immediate effect and remain in force until their demands are met.

The unions lamented the slow pace of the renegotiation process, which they said has dragged on for years without meaningful progress. They stressed that the delay has worsened the welfare of non-academic staff, affecting salaries, allowances, and overall working conditions.

According to the unions, the 2009 agreement was designed to address critical issues in the university system, including funding, staff welfare, and institutional development, but has not been fully implemented more than a decade later.

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They also accused the government of prioritizing other sectors while neglecting the education system, warning that continued inaction could further destabilize academic activities in universities nationwide.

The strike is expected to disrupt administrative and support services across federal and state-owned universities, potentially affecting academic calendars and ongoing activities.

SSANU and NASU called on the government to urgently return to the negotiating table and demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the issues, emphasizing that the action could be suspended if tangible progress is made.