The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions confirmed the start of a nationwide strike, which is expected to disrupt operations at federal universities and inter-university centers starting on Friday.
In a letter dated April 30, 2026, the unions informed the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, of their intention, citing the Federal Government’s inability to complete ongoing renegotiations and provide a new offer on allowances.
The strike will start at midnight on May 1, 2026, according to a letter signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi.
Referring to the previous circular on a 30% rise in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, the union leaders stated, “We write to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and to equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education for withdrawing the contentious letter.”
In spite of this, the withdrawal did not settle the main points of contention.
“Our demand in relation to the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been met, according to the consensus outcome of the consultation,” they stated.
The unions further stated that no substitute plan for the withheld allowance had been put forth.
“The letter regarding the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance withdrawal is acknowledged, but no new offer has been made to replace the 30% allowances contained in the withdrawn letter,” they said.
The JAC claims that if the government didn’t finish talks by April 30, members had ordered the leadership to take action.
The letter stated, “In light of this, the strike action shall begin by 12am on May 1, 2026, with the agreement not concluded as at 30th April 2026, and with no new offer.”
The unions said that the government’s failure to prevent the problem through significant involvement made the strike action inevitable.
Adeyemi and Ibrahim continued, “We hereby inform the Federal Government that all members will begin full and comprehensive strike action by Friday, May 1, 2026, due to the Government’s failure to prevent the strike by positively acceding to our demands.”
Concerns about another round of disruptions in Nigeria’s university system, which has had several industrial disputes in recent years, are raised by the walkout, which is anticipated to stop administrative and support functions in federal higher institutions.
