Non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have moved to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike, following fresh negotiation with the federal government .
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities directed its branches to commence processes for the suspension of the strike effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
The decision followed a series of meetings between the unions and the Federal Government over unresolved demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and welfare-related issues.
In a circular, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, indicated that the breakthrough came after a crucial meeting with the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee led by a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.
According to the unions, the government explained that any further review of its earlier offer would require the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
“The leadership of JAC considered the passionate appeal for the suspension of the ongoing strike 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.
It added that branch leaders had been directed to convene 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.
The Union also disclosed that the discussions included a controversial 30 per cent salary increase under the CONTISS, which had earlier been proposed but later withdrawn by the government.
They commended members for their compliance with the strike directive, describing the solidarity shown nationwide as encouraging.
NASU and SSANU commenced the strike on May 1, 2026, over delay in concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which covers salaries, allowances, and general working conditions of non-academic staff in universities and inter-university centres.
The industrial action disrupted administrative operations in public universities, affecting student registration, documentation, hostel management, and other essential support services across campuses.
