The Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have urged the Federal Government to urgently conclude renegotiations with them. According to them, the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) agreement is a welcome development, but it does not automatically translate to total industrial peace in the university system. Stakeholders have joined SSANU, NASU and NAAT in asserting that the government must urgently conclude renegotiations to avoid fresh unrest and sustain the current stability on campuses, Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon writes
Last week, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) signed and unveiled a landmark renegotiated agreement. Parents, students and other education stakeholders expressed a sigh of relief since the new deal replaced the controversial 2009 pact. It was aimed at ending nearly two decades of industrial friction in the university system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a “decisive turning point” for Nigerian education. To ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, the union remains cautious regarding the “totality” of the government’s implementation based on past experiences.
President, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Alhaji Haruna Danjuma and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, among others, hailed the signing of the agreement.
Danjuma, in a chat with The Nation, said: “It’s a great turning point in restoring stability, trust and quality in Nigerian tertiary education systems if Federal Government stands by the agreement, and on the other side I urge ASUU to accept the agreement now that the government has unveiled the renegotiation agreement as part of their own contributions, we therefore commend the efforts of the Minister of Education for facilitating this agreement, and we hope he will ensure total execution of the agreement.”
Ajasa said: “I believe this new agreement will build a new stability and ensure proper funding of education, with all these previous agitations resolved. I believe it will take proper and immediate effect, whereby all parties will be satisfied.
“This should also motivate the lecturers and staff to do their best and deliver proper education and teaching and learning to students, including proper research works.”
SSANU, NASU announce indefinite strike’s threats
But not surprising though, other university unions, such as Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened indefinite strikes over alleged non-completion of pending agreements with them. The other university union is the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
SSANU and NASU have demanded that the government meet its obligations, concerning the payment of withheld four months’ salaries from 2022 and implementing agreements like the 2009 renegotiation and the N35,000 wage award.
A statement signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary, NASU and Mohammed Ibrahim, President, SSANU and Chairman of JAC, said: “JAC of NASU and SSANU remains committed to the entrenchment of industrial harmony and sustainable communities in our universities, and calls on the Federal Government to ensure expedited action in the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU, as any further delay after the signing of today’s agreement with our sister union would be tantamount to a clear invitation to chaos, and the distortion of industrial peace which we have continued to maintain despite government’s continued insensitivity to the university system and the gruesome conditions under which our members are made to work.
“JAC notes that timely conclusion of the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU would avert the breakdown of industrial peace and harmony in the system, and hereby advises the Federal Government not to stir the hornet’s nest through any form of delay tactics.”
The SSANU and JAC Chairman, in an interview, warned that the relief expressed by stakeholders might be short-lived unless the government urgently concluded negotiations with other university-based unions.
According to him, the “solution to this is simple: the government must deploy all necessary resources, strategies, and political will through the existing renegotiation committee to conclude discussions with the remaining three non-teaching staff unions with the speed of light.”
In that regard, the most brilliant move this present government can make at this moment regarding industrial peace and harmony, and smooth operation of tertiary education in the country is to build on the quantum leap it has taken by finally addressing the lingering issue of the 2009 agreement renegotiation with ASUU, an issue that dragged on for 16 years.
“Having taken this wise decision to this problem in the bud, it is only logical and strategic that the process should now flow naturally to the other university-based unions. These unions also have outstanding 2009 agreements awaiting renegotiation, and the government has already commenced discussions with them. It is, therefore, paramount, timely, and strategic that the government concludes all outstanding renegotiations, ideally within the shortest possible time, even within the next one month.
“Doing so will send a powerful signal to workers across the university system that this is a responsive government; one that genuinely has the interest of workers and its citizens at heart. So now that that of ASUU is concluded, all eyes are focused on what the government will do concerning the conclusion of negotiation of the same 1999 agreement with NASU, SSANU and NAAT.”
He argued that since all tertiary education–based unions have anchored their demands on the same 1999 agreement framework, stressing that the Federal Government should shun staggered or selective conclusion of negotiations with separate unions
Ibrahim strongly advised the Federal Government to urgently conclude renegotiations with the remaining three university-based unions.
Also, the CONUA National President, ‘Niyi Sunmonu, PhD, said his association recognised that issues arising from the 2009 agreements extend beyond a single union and affect the wider university system. The conclusion of the renegotiation between the Federal Government and ASUU, he said, in 2025 represents progress, particularly given how long those matters remained unresolved.
“More importantly, negotiations in the university sector are ongoing and not limited to one union. Other university-based unions, including CONUA, NASU and SSANU, have outstanding issues that require timely and good-faith engagement. For reforms to be comprehensive and for industrial peace to be durable, it is essential that the Federal Government expedites negotiations with all recognised and registered unions,” Sunmonu said.
Primary points of contention
As of this month, the funding and labour disagreements between NASU, SSANU, and the Federal Government centre on perceived marginalisation compared to academic staff and unfulfilled financial commitments.
The contentions include:
The “Sharing Formula” Dispute: A major grievance involves the distribution of the N50 billion intervention fund. The unions reject the government’s formula, which they claim allocates roughly 70–80% of the funds to ASUU, leaving only 20–30% to be shared among all non-teaching unions.
Inclusion of Specific Centres: SSANU has demanded that Inter-University Centres and research institutes, which they claim were “wrongly excluded” from previous payments, be fully included in future disbursements.
“No Work, No Pay” Backlog: The unions are demanding the payment of salaries withheld during past industrial actions, specifically for several months in 2022.
Salary Increment Arrears: There is a persistent demand for the payment of arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increments previously promised to university staff.
Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement: Following a milestone agreement signed between the Federal Government and ASUU on January 14, 2026, NASU and SSANU have warned of “chaos” and potential strike action if their own renegotiations are not fast-tracked.
Demand for a Living Wage: The unions are seeking a comprehensive review of conditions of service and a wage increase that reflects current economic realities.
Ministry’s position
Following the Federal Government’s agreement with ASUU, the Federal Ministry Education is under pressure to conclude similar negotiations with the non-teaching staff to avoid disrupting industrial harmony in universities.
Alausa has acknowledged the ongoing negotiations and indicated that the government is working to address the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff.
The ministry has previously stated it is engaging with the unions to address grievances and has urged restraint regarding threats of strike action, asserting that the government is working in phases to meet demands.
While the minister has expressed optimism about the ongoing process, the unions have stated that “something substantial has not yet happened,” warning that the lack of concrete, finalised offers could lead to a breakdown in peace.
The ministry has, however, streamlined the negotiation process, moving from multiple committees to a single committee led by Yahaya Ahmed to handle negotiations with all tertiary institution unions, including NASU and SSANU.
Stakeholders: why govt must conclude deal with SSANU, NASU
The Chairman of Board of Trustees, National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, while reacting over the issue, urged the Federal Government to try and engage and negotiate with the non-academic unions.
“But usual trouble is they also want the same thing as academic staff. And that has not been tied in with the government.
“But if they have been doing the same thing for them, both SSANU and NASU, they should work out a commensurate service policy to also satisfy them. Definitely, I’m in total support of negotiating with them to ensure that they also treat them fairly. A situation where they won’t touch the 2009 agreement at all may be counter-productive in the university because they will now start their issues again.
“But they should try and be reasonable when they’re on the negotiating table with the Federal Government. There’s no way that the Federal Government can treat ASUU, SSANU and NASU the same way.
“If they have been on the same negotiating standpoint – the 2009 agreement with the ASUU, the 2009 agreement with SANU and the other bodies – it is the same thing. I think it’s only fair the government concludes the agreement with them for peace and harmony on our campuses.”
However, Sunmonu called for inclusive, sector-wide engagement that promotes equity, transparency, and stability across the university system.
He said: “Our position is grounded in law and international labour standards. Nigeria is a signatory to ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association, protect collective bargaining rights, and recognise union pluralism as a legitimate feature of modern labour relations. These conventions do not establish a monopoly for any union; rather, they require good-faith bargaining and respect for lawful representation.
“CONUA remains committed to constructive dialogue, responsible unionism, and policies that strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system for the benefit of staff, students.
The National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Taiwo Soweto, in his contribution, asserted that the demands of the unions have always been rational and legitimate.
“Also, these demands have always been in the interest of public education. Without the resolute struggle of ASUU, SSANU, NASU and other unions in the education sector, the reality would have been gorier than what is presently obtainable.
“However, the newly signed agreement is like a drop of water into an ocean. The 40% increment in the monthly earning through additional allowance is not in conformity with the rate of inflation, which has eroded such increase in wage.
“We strongly believe that ASUU can fight more; in fact, this agreement is a product of the relentless struggle of ASUU over the years. Left to the government, it would have watched the complete collapse of public education.
“Importantly, we believe that the demands of SSANU and NASU must equally be met in full. However, we urge that unions in the education sector, including student unions, wage a united and resolute struggle to force government to begin the process of uplifting the education sector from its present ruin. This can only be done by properly funding the education sector and democratising the decision-making process of institutions to include the active participation of students and staff members through their independent unions.”
National President of Association for Formidable Educational Development Orji Kanu Emmanuel told The Nation that he was concerned about the systemic challenges the government is allowing to fester.
According to him, successive administrations’ neglect had significantly hindered progress, adding that it’s disheartening to see crucial issues linger unresolved.
Emmanuel asserted that the unfulfilled agreements between the Federal Government and university workers since 2009 are a stark example of this trend.
“Over 15 years of waiting for salary increments, earned allowances, and other entitlements is not just unacceptable – it’s detrimental to the very fabric of our education system.
“As AFED’s leader, I align with NASU and SSANU’s request for the Federal Government to conclude the pending agreements. Quality education is key to Nigeria’s future, and resolving these issues is crucial to unlocking the potential of our institutions and, by extension, our nation. I appeal to the government to address NASU and SSANU’s concerns with the same urgency they’ve approached ASUU’s negotiations. This would avert pending strike actions, demonstrate commitment to education, and show that the government values the welfare of all education stakeholders.
“I commend the current administration’s efforts to reform and prioritise education, but let’s be honest – the inherited challenges are substantial. With the strong will demonstrated by the team of ministers in charge of education, I remain hopeful that we’ll see tangible progress. Our education system deserves better, and our future depends on it,” he said.
