University Workers Issue Fresh Threat, Give FG Deadline to Avert Shutdown
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has warned the Federal Government that a nationwide strike could begin before the end of April if ongoing renegotiation talks are not concluded.
The warning followed a high-level meeting of the union’s National Executive Council, where leaders reviewed the progress of discussions with government representatives and expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of negotiations.
Union officials clarified that contrary to circulating claims, no final agreement has been reached, stressing that negotiations are still in progress and far from conclusion.
They also dismissed reports suggesting approval of new allowances, insisting that such claims are misleading and do not reflect the current state of discussions between both parties.
The union reaffirmed that it had already issued an ultimatum running from April 1 to April 30, giving the government a clear window to finalise talks and sign a binding agreement.
According to SSANU, failure to meet the deadline would trigger a coordinated industrial action alongside other non-teaching staff unions, potentially shutting down activities across public universities.
Leaders of the association stressed that any outcome from the negotiations must reflect fairness and previously agreed terms, warning that members will not accept conditions that fall short of expectations.
The union also raised concerns over long-standing issues affecting members, including salary delays, unpaid entitlements, and worsening working conditions within the university system.
It noted that prolonged negotiations without clear results have placed significant strain on workers, reducing morale and affecting productivity across institutions.
Members nationwide have been advised to remain alert and prepared to comply with any directive from the leadership as the deadline approaches.
The development adds pressure on the Federal Government to urgently resolve the dispute and prevent another disruption in the academic calendar.
With days left before the deadline, attention is now on whether both sides can reach an agreement or face a possible shutdown of university activities across the country.