University workers extend strike ultimatum given to FG

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) has given the Federal Government two additional weeks to address lingering welfare concerns.

The extension comes after the unions’ initial seven-day ultimatum elapsed without concrete action from the authorities.

The workers are demanding fair disbursement of earned allowances, settlement of outstanding entitlements, and resolution of other welfare-related issues affecting their members.

In a letter signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and addressed to union chapters nationwide, the leadership explained that the decision followed a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, on September 19, 2025.

According to the unions, the meeting involved top officials, including representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“The government listened to our grievances, but no solid agreement was reached,” Ibrahim said.

“We believe extending the ultimatum gives them a final opportunity to demonstrate genuine commitment before we resort to industrial action.”

The letter further noted that a joint consultative committee had been set up to examine the demands, but members expressed frustration that their core concerns remained unresolved.

Union leaders emphasized that the two-week grace period should not be mistaken for weakness.

“If nothing changes within this timeframe, our members will be left with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike,” a NASU official warned.

The fresh deadline, effective from Tuesday, underscores the growing tension between university staff unions and the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, observers fear that a full-blown strike could cripple academic and administrative activities across Nigerian universities if the disputes remain unresolved.