The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that universities across the country could face a total shutdown in 2026 if long-delayed renegotiations affecting non-teaching staff are not concluded by December 31, 2025.
The warning was contained in a communiqué released after the union’s 53rd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
The document, signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed deep frustration over what the union describes as years of neglect and discrimination against non-academic staff.
Non-Teaching Staff “Marginalised for Too Long” — SSANU
Ibrahim accused the Federal Government of sidelining non-teaching staff in both the payment of Earned Allowances and the ongoing renegotiation of university workers’ conditions of service.
According to him, the NEC is outraged by the “consistent marginalisation” and insists that the ₦50 billion agreed upon in the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement must be released immediately. He stressed that Inter-University Centres and research institutes, previously excluded from disbursements, must also benefit from the next tranche of payments.
SSANU argues that the government’s pattern of engagement suggests a deliberate effort to favour other categories of university workers while ignoring the contributions of non-teaching personnel.
Strike Threat for 2026
The NEC warned that failure to meet the end-of-2025 deadline would leave the union with no option but to embark on a “total, comprehensive, and system-wide” strike across the university system in 2026.
“If the government fails to conclude credible renegotiations and present a realistic offer by December 31, 2025, SSANU will be compelled to take decisive action to defend the rights and dignity of our members,” Ibrahim declared.
Security Concerns Deepen
The communiqué also highlighted the worsening security situation in educational institutions, referencing the recent spate of abductions in Niger and Kebbi States.
The union called for immediate investments in campus security — including surveillance systems, improved perimeter fencing, and modern early-warning infrastructure — urging both federal and state governments to prioritise the protection of students and staff.
Union Rejects PPP Model in Universities
SSANU expressed strong opposition to proposals that would introduce public-private partnerships in the management of municipal services on university campuses.
The union fears such arrangements could lead to job losses or force workers into inferior employment conditions.
“No staff must lose their jobs or be downgraded under the guise of PPP,” the communiqué stated, warning that any attempt to impose such policies without firm guarantees for worker welfare would be met with resistance.
Call for National Rescue Efforts
Outside university matters, SSANU assessed the state of the nation and raised alarms over the deterioration of key public sectors.
The NEC pointed to failing health systems, weak disease surveillance, and overstretched emergency response units.
It also expressed concern over escalating food insecurity, which has been intensified by flooding and widespread displacement — conditions that have reportedly impacted more than 27 million Nigerians.
The union urged the government to launch coordinated national interventions, including targeted support for farmers, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and strategic investments in public health.
Also Read: Top Ten African Countries With Strongest Military [Full List]
According to Ibrahim, addressing these challenges is crucial not only for citizen welfare but also for the country’s long-term stability and development.
