Non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s public universities have begun moves to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike, raising optimism for a full return to normal academic and administrative activities across campuses.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has directed all branches to initiate processes for suspending the strike, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
The decision comes after a series of engagements between the unions and the Federal Government over unresolved issues, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and broader welfare concerns.
In a circular issued to branch chairpersons and obtained on Wednesday, the unions disclosed that they had secured a firm commitment from the Federal Government to conclude all pending renegotiations within two weeks after the strike is suspended.
The circular, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, noted that progress was achieved following a crucial meeting with the government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee led by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.
According to the unions, the government explained that any further adjustment to its earlier offer would require approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The leadership of JAC considered the passionate appeal for the suspension of the ongoing strike action and also extracted a commitment from the FGN Expanded Renegotiation Committee that all renegotiations, including a reviewed offer of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), shall be concluded in two weeks from the date of the suspension of the strike,” the statement read.
The unions added that branch leaders have been instructed to hold congresses to brief members and ratify the decision.
“Branch leaders are hereby urged to note this appeal and convene congresses to report the above, for a suspension of the strike effective from Monday, 11th May, 2026, while other engagements with relevant stakeholders continue,” the unions said.
They also revealed that ongoing discussions include the previously proposed 30 per cent salary increase under the CONTISS framework, which had earlier been withdrawn by the government.
NASU and SSANU expressed appreciation to their members for their compliance and solidarity throughout the industrial action.
The strike, which began on May 1, 2026, was triggered by delays in concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement covering salaries, allowances, and working conditions for non-academic staff in universities and inter-university centres.
The industrial action significantly disrupted administrative functions in public universities, affecting student registration, documentation, hostel services, and other essential support operations.
Although academic staff were not directly involved, the absence of non-teaching personnel slowed down activities across campuses, forcing many institutions into partial shutdown and adding to concerns over recurring disruptions in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
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