The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has rejected the Federal Government’s 30 per cent pay rise proposal and denied that wage renegotiation has been concluded.

The body said barring the conclusion of negotiation by April 30, indefinite strike action would be inevitable.

Recall that SSANU had given the Federal Government a 30-day ultimatum to conclude renegotiations with the union, or it would have no other option but to embark on an indefinite strike.

In a communiqué issued after its Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on April 18, 2026, in Abuja, SSANU insisted that the process remained ongoing, despite seven meetings since October 2024.

It described a circulated letter purporting presidential approval of 30 per cent allowance hike as a “rude shock” and a violation of collective bargaining.

The communiqué signed by SSANU’s President, Mohammed Ibrahim, stated: “NEC expressed serious concern over attempts in the public domain to portray the process as concluded, particularly through the circulation of a letter suggesting approval of a 30 per cent increase on allowances, when discussions are still in progress, and no final agreement has been signed.”

The association vowed to reject any outcome below negotiated terms. “SSANU will not accept any outcome that falls below the negotiated understanding reached in the course of the renegotiation process, and insists that fairness, due process, and collective bargaining principles must be respected,” they declared.

It upheld its ultimatum with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which told the Federal Government to conclude talks by April 30 or face “indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action” across universities, polytechnics, and colleges.

SSSANU President, while making clarification, said: “We have already given a deadline: if by the end of this month the exercise is not concluded, we will mobilise our members and withdraw our services.”

On the vital role of the non-teaching staff in the universities and inter-university centres, Mohammed said: “We handle admissions, process results, and mobilise students for NYSC. We manage healthcare services, provide security…

“We are the ones oiling the engine. So where exactly are we lacking that we should be treated as second-class?”