Fresh disruption has hit Nigeria’s tertiary education sector as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the (SSANU) and the (NASU) declared an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved welfare and salary disputes with the Federal Government.
The industrial action officially commenced at midnight on Friday, May 1, 2026, following the expiration of an ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government by the two university-based unions.
The strike decision came after a crucial meeting between government representatives and union leaders on April 29 reportedly ended without any meaningful agreement, deepening tensions within the education sector.
In a statement announcing the action, the unions accused the Federal Government of failing to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, a process they said has dragged on despite repeated engagements and promises.
The unions expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as unequal treatment compared to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), alleging that negotiations involving non-academic workers have been handled with less urgency.
A major point of contention remains the controversial salary review proposal. According to the unions, the Federal Government withdrew an earlier offer of a 30 per cent salary increase without presenting an alternative proposal acceptable to workers.
SSANU and NASU had previously rejected the proposed salary increment, describing it as inadequate and inconsistent with the principles of collective bargaining, especially in view of the country’s worsening economic realities and rising cost of living.
Declaring the action “total and comprehensive,” the unions directed all members across federal and state universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and inter-university centres to immediately withdraw their services.
The strike is expected to affect administrative operations, student services, laboratory activities, hostel management, and other essential non-academic functions within public tertiary institutions nationwide.
Union leaders also announced the deployment of monitoring teams across the country to ensure full compliance with the directive. Branches or members found violating the strike order, they warned, would face sanctions.
The latest development has raised fresh concerns among students and parents already grappling with repeated disruptions in Nigeria’s education system. Many fear the strike could further destabilise academic calendars and delay institutional activities.
Education stakeholders have urged both parties to return to the negotiation table quickly to prevent a prolonged shutdown capable of worsening the challenges already facing the nation’s higher education sector.
