The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has confirmed the commencement of a nationwide strike expected to disrupt activities across federal universities and inter-university centres.
The unions, in a letter dated April 30, 2026, notified the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, of their decision, citing the Federal Government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a new offer on allowances.
According to the notice signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the strike commenced at midnight on May 1, 2026.
The unions acknowledged the withdrawal of an earlier circular proposing a 30 percent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Staff Allowance, but stressed that the move did not address their core demands.
“We write to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and to equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education for withdrawing the contentious letter,” the statement read.
However, they maintained that the slow pace of renegotiation and the absence of a replacement offer remain unresolved.
“Our demand in relation to the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been met,” the unions stated, adding that no alternative proposal had been presented to replace the withdrawn 30 percent allowance.
JAC noted that members had mandated the leadership to take action if negotiations were not concluded by April 30.
“In light of this, the strike action shall begin by 12am on May 1, 2026, with the agreement not concluded as at April 30, 2026, and with no new offer,” the letter stated.
The unions further blamed the Federal Government for failing to avert the industrial action through meaningful engagement.
“We hereby inform the Federal Government that all members will begin full and comprehensive strike action… due to the Government’s failure to prevent the strike by positively acceding to our demands,” Adeyemi and Ibrahim said.
The development raises concerns about renewed disruption in Nigeria’s university system, particularly in administrative and support services, as institutions have faced repeated industrial actions in recent years.