Non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s university system have announced the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike following the Federal Government’s failure to conclude ongoing renegotiations within an agreed deadline.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) confirmed that the industrial action will begin at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The decision comes after an ultimatum issued during a Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 18, 2026, expired without what union leaders described as a “satisfactory outcome.” The unions had demanded the conclusion of renegotiation talks with the Federal Government by April 30.
According to the statement signed by Comrade Aminu Rajja’u Anchau, Public Relations Officer of SSANU, Bayero University Kano (BUK) Branch, members across all university units have been directed to withdraw their services completely and comply fully with the strike action.
The unions described the strike as a “total and comprehensive” measure aimed at defending workers’ rights and ensuring the survival of institutional frameworks within the university system. They emphasized that the action was necessary to assert their relevance amid prolonged delays in addressing their demands.
Union leadership also urged members to remain disciplined, financially prudent, and resolute throughout the duration of the strike, warning that challenges may arise during the industrial action.
Additionally, members were cautioned against relying on unofficial sources of information and advised to follow only verified updates from union authorities.
No official response had been issued by the Federal Government at the time of filing this report.
