The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned it may begin an indefinite strike. This comes as its April 30 deadline for negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria draws closer.
The union made its position known after a high-level meeting in Abuja. Tensions remain over unresolved welfare and agreement issues.
Fresh Warning After NEC Meeting
According to SSANU, the warning followed a Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday. The communiqué was signed by its National President, Muhammad Ibrahim.
Earlier, on March 30, SSANU issued a 30-day ultimatum to the government. The demand focused on resolving welfare concerns and finalising agreements with university unions.
However, talks are still ongoing. This has raised serious concerns within the union leadership.
Negotiations Ongoing, But Delays Persist
Despite ongoing discussions, SSANU says progress has been too slow. Ibrahim emphasized that negotiations have not been concluded.
He also expressed concern about delays in signing agreements. These delays, according to him, undermine trust in the process. Importantly, he reaffirmed the union’s stance on the deadline.
“Should the Federal Government fails to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreements within the stated period, SSANU will have no alternative but, in conjunction with NASU, to commence an indefinite, comprehensive and total industrial action,” he said.
The planned action would involve collaboration with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Union Rejects Claims of Concluded Talks
Meanwhile, SSANU has pushed back against claims that negotiations are complete. The union described such reports as misleading.
In particular, it referenced a letter claiming a 30 percent allowance increase had been approved. SSANU insists discussions are still ongoing.
He said NEC expressed concern over public claims suggesting that negotiations had been concluded, particularly a letter alleging approval of a 30 per cent allowance increase while discussions were ongoing.
Furthermore, the union stressed that it will not accept unfair outcomes. He said that SSANU would not accept any outcome below the negotiated understanding reached during talks, insisting on fairness, due process and respect for collective bargaining principles.
Call for Unity Among Members
As uncertainty continues, SSANU leadership has urged members to remain calm. At the same time, it called for unity and readiness.
Mr Ibrahim urged members across branches to remain calm, vigilant and united, and to comply fully with union directives in defence of their welfare, dignity and collective interests.
In the coming days, attention will shift to the government’s next move. The outcome may determine whether universities face another major disruption.