The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, raising concerns over unresolved labour issues and deteriorating conditions in the nation’s university system.

The warning was issued at the conclusion of its 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University in Ekiti State.

In a communiqué released on March 29, 2026, the union said it “expresses grave concern over the slow pace and inconclusive nature of the ongoing renegotiation between the Federal Government and the non-teaching unions in the university system,” stressing that prolonged discussions without results are unacceptable.

The communiqué was signed by the SSANU National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, at the end of the meeting held from March 26 to 27, 2026.

The council issued a firm ultimatum to the government, stating that “SSANU hereby issues a final ultimatum to the Federal Government from 1st April, 2026 to 30th April, 2026 to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreement.”

It added that failure to meet the deadline would trigger industrial action, warning that “there will be no going back on this decision by the JAC of NASU and SSANU.”

The union also condemned persistent salary delays affecting staff in federal and some state universities.

According to the communiqué, “these recurring delays have imposed severe hardship on members and their families, weakened morale, and undermined productivity across the university system.”

SSANU demanded immediate payment of outstanding salaries and called for a “reliable and unified salary payment structure,” recommending the adoption of the Remita platform.

On earned allowances, the council criticised the government’s handling of the N50bn disbursement agreed upon in 2022.

The union “expresses dissatisfaction with the failure of Government to fully and fairly implement the disbursement,” and condemned “the exclusion of Inter-University Centres and Research Institutes from previous disbursements.”

Addressing broader economic challenges, the union highlighted the impact of inflation and rising living costs on workers, noting “the worsening economic hardship in the country,” and urging the government to implement wage reviews and social protection measures.

The communiqué further pointed to the persistent underfunding of universities, warning that it has led to “decaying infrastructure, weak service delivery, and inadequate support for teaching, research, innovation, and administration.”

It called for education to be prioritised through “predictable, transparent, and adequate funding of public universities.”

punch