Operations in federal universities and inter-university centres across Nigeria are set to be disrupted from Friday, as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) confirmed the start of a nationwide strike.
In a letter dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the unions blamed the Federal Government for failing to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a new offer on allowances.
The letter, signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the strike would begin at midnight on May 1, 2026.
The unions acknowledged the minister’s decision to withdraw the earlier circular proposing a 30 per cent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance but noted that the move did not address the underlying issues.
According to them, consultations revealed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations, adding that no fresh proposal had been introduced to replace the withdrawn allowance.
They emphasized that although the withdrawal was noted, the absence of a new offer left their demands unmet.
JAC explained that its members had directed the leadership to take action if negotiations were not concluded by April 30. With that deadline unmet and no alternative proposal on the table, the unions said the strike would proceed as scheduled.
The unions described the industrial action as unavoidable, citing the government’s failure to resolve the dispute through meaningful engagement.
They warned that all members would embark on a total and indefinite strike starting Friday, May 1, 2026.
The action is expected to shut down administrative and support services in federal tertiary institutions, raising fresh concerns about continued disruptions in Nigeria’s university system, which has experienced repeated industrial crises in recent years
More details are expected to follow.
