Operations across federal universities and inter-university centres are set for disruption as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have confirmed the commencement of a nationwide strike.
The unions announced the decision in a letter dated April 30, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, citing the Federal Government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a fresh offer on allowances.
The letter, signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the strike would begin at midnight on May 1, 2026.
The unions acknowledged the withdrawal of a controversial circular proposing a 30 per cent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance but noted that it failed to address the core issues in dispute.
“Despite the withdrawal, the fundamental concerns remain unresolved. The slow pace of renegotiation and the absence of a new offer are unacceptable,” the union leaders stated.
According to JAC, no alternative proposal has been presented to replace the withdrawn allowance, leaving workers dissatisfied.
The unions added that their members had earlier mandated leadership to act if the government failed to conclude negotiations by April 30.
“With no agreement reached and no new offer on the table, the strike action will commence by 12 a.m. on May 1, 2026,” the letter read.
They described the industrial action as inevitable, blaming the government’s inability to resolve the dispute through meaningful engagement.
As a result, all members of NASU and SSANU across federal tertiary institutions will embark on a total and comprehensive strike.
The development is expected to halt administrative and support services in universities nationwide, raising fresh concerns about disruptions in Nigeria’s higher education system, which has experienced recurring industrial disputes in recent years.