Activities across federal universities and inter-university centres are set to grind to a halt as the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Friday.
The unions, in a letter dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, blamed the action on the Federal Government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a fresh offer on allowances.
The notice, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the industrial action would commence at midnight on May 1, 2026.
The unions acknowledged the withdrawal of an earlier circular approving a 30 per cent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance but maintained that the move did not address the core issues in dispute.
“While we appreciate the withdrawal of the contentious circular, it does not resolve the fundamental concerns.
The pace of renegotiation has remained slow, and our demands have not been met,” the union leaders said.
They further noted that no alternative proposal had been presented to replace the withdrawn allowance.
According to them, members had earlier mandated the leadership to take decisive action if negotiations were not concluded by April 30.
“With no agreement reached as of the deadline and no fresh offer on the table, the strike will commence by 12am on May 1, 2026,” the statement read.
The unions described the industrial action as unavoidable, citing the government’s failure to avert the crisis through meaningful engagement.
They added that all members across federal universities and inter-university centres would embark on a total and comprehensive strike until their demands are addressed.
The development is expected to disrupt administrative and support services in tertiary institutions nationwide, raising fresh concerns over recurring labour disputes in Nigeria’s university system.
More details to follow.