Amanze Chinonye
Non-academic university staff across Nigeria will on Thursday stage a one-day protest, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour agreements on salaries, allowances, and welfare.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a one-day nationwide protest for Thursday, October 9, over what they describe as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to meet their longstanding demands.
Acting under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions in a circular dated October 6 directed all branches to hold joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, to mobilize members for the protest across university campuses nationwide.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe protest, according to union leaders, will feature peaceful marches, placard displays, and press briefings highlighting the government’s alleged neglect of non-academic staff welfare.
READ ALSO: Prioritise Education In Nigeria, ASUU Tells Tinubu
ASUU Urges Promotion Arrears Release, Condemns IPPIS Employment Irregularities
The circular, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President, reads in part:
“The last circular of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational & Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) titled ‘Current Status of Our Agitations’ referenced JAC/NS/Vol. III/55, dated 22nd September 2025, refers.
“As referenced in the circular, the Federal Government was granted a 14-day extension, following the lapse of the initial 7 days, to address our concerns vis-à-vis:
- Unjust disbursement of ₦50 billion earned allowances;
- Delay in renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU-SSANU agreements;
- Non-payment of outstanding two months’ salaries;
- Non-payment of arrears of 25%/30% salary increases;
- Non-payment of third-party deductions for May and June 2022, among others.”
The unions said the Federal Government has continued to show “a lack of seriousness and sensitivity” despite several warnings and engagements.
They recalled that two meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee convened by the Ministry of Education on September 19 and October 6 yielded little progress, adding that the expiration of their ultimatum without government response left them with no choice but to take to the streets.
According to JAC, the Thursday protest is a first step in an escalating campaign for justice and fairness in the university system. Sources within the unions confirmed that operations in most universities including administrative services, maintenance, and support functions are likely to be disrupted during the demonstration.
Union leaders warned that unless urgent action is taken to address their demands, the protest could snowball into a full-scale strike that may once again paralyse academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
