The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved matters affecting non-academic staff in universities.

In a letter dated 12 September 2025, the unions condemned what they described as the “unjust” disbursement of earned allowances, the non-payment of outstanding entitlements, and the delay in renegotiating agreements.

The letter, signed by SSANU President Muhammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, reminded the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, of an earlier communication dated 18 June 2025 from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions. It recalled that the Minister subsequently convened a meeting with JAC on 4 July 2025 to address the concerns.

According to the unions, the issues raised include: the “skewed” distribution of ₦50 billion earned allowances; non-payment of withheld salaries and arrears of the 25/35 per cent salary increment; and the delayed renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreements.

They noted that at the July meeting, the Minister resolved to set up a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and JAC to review the distribution of earned allowances. While no conclusion was reached on the withheld salaries, the Minister reportedly pledged to expedite action on arrears of the salary increment.

The unions said they subsequently issued a reminder on 18 August 2025 following what they described as “silence or deliberate inaction” from the government.

They further criticised delays in renegotiating the 2009 agreements, recalling that the committee chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed was inaugurated in October 2024 but had met with JAC only once, in December 2024. They alleged that while renegotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had been concluded and were near signing, their own demands had been sidelined despite repeated submissions.

“In light of persistent unresolved issues and the government’s lack of responsiveness to our legitimate concerns, we are compelled to serve formal notice of seven days from Monday, 15 September 2025,” the unions said. “Failing government action, members of NASU and SSANU will embark on legitimate industrial actions, including strikes, to press home our demands.”