The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government until 31 December 2025 to conclude negotiations on outstanding demands for non-teaching university staff, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide shutdown of universities in 2026.
The warning was issued by SSANU National President, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, following the union’s 53rd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Jos. “We will not accept continued marginalisation in earned allowances and funding. Failure to conclude talks will lead to a total, system-wide shutdown next year,” he said.
Mr. Ibrahim said the ₦50 billion agreed upon in the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be released immediately and distributed equitably across all affected institutions. He noted that previous disbursements excluded Inter-University Centres and research institutes, worsening grievances among staff.
“Our members will not be denied their entitlements while others are prioritised. We demand fairness and inclusion in all government engagements,” he said.
The union also raised concerns about insecurity around schools, citing recent kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states. Mr. Ibrahim urged the government to deploy modern security technology and strengthen community-based surveillance on campuses nationwide.
“Insecurity threatens the future of education and the safety of staff. Staff must be protected with comprehensive health and life insurance,” he said.
SSANU rejected proposed Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for municipal services, warning that such models could result in job losses and the casualisation of staff. “No worker will lose their job under any policy imposed without agreement,” Mr. Ibrahim said, citing examples from other sectors where similar arrangements led to reduced wages and the loss of institutional knowledge.
The union also highlighted the deterioration of university infrastructure, including poor electricity supply, unsafe hostels, and obsolete laboratories. Mr. Ibrahim called for predictable funding, timely releases, and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure proper maintenance of university facilities.
Addressing the economic pressures on staff, he said inflation and rising costs had pushed many members into financial hardship. SSANU called for an urgent wage review and targeted social protection measures for education-sector workers.
“Our salaries can no longer sustain basic needs under current inflation levels. We expect immediate action to cushion workers against economic shocks,” he said.
Mr. Ibrahim emphasised that dialogue remained the union’s preferred approach, but warned that SSANU would take necessary measures to defend its members’ rights.
