Pay dispute: FG to hold talks with SSANU, NASU leaders Wednesday

The Federal Government has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a move to forestall a planned strike by the two unions.

The looming industrial action stems from disagreements over a proposed 30 per cent salary increase for non-academic staff, earlier announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Sources familiar with the planned meeting in Abuja confirmed that invitations had been sent to union leaders.

“The government has formally invited us for discussions on Wednesday. We will attend and listen, but our ultimatum remains in force,” one source disclosed.
Another insider also verified the development, stating, “Yes, we’ve been called for a meeting on April 29, and we will be present.”

It would be recalled that Alausa, in a communication to the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and National Board for Technical Education, approved a 30 per cent pay rise for non-academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

However, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU has rejected the move, demanding the withdrawal of the letter allegedly authorising the increment, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide shutdown of public universities.

In a strongly worded statement signed by JAC Secretary-General Peters A. Adeyemi and President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions described the development as surprising and unacceptable.

Addressing the Minister of Education, the unions said the circulating letter—reportedly bearing his signature—did not reflect any agreement reached through due negotiation.

“We write respectfully to draw your urgent attention to a letter circulating on social media, purportedly issued under your authority,” the statement read.

“No conclusion has been reached that justifies such an award, which is inconsistent with established collective bargaining processes.”

The unions maintained that the proposed salary adjustment was not part of ongoing negotiations and warned that enforcing it unilaterally would breach labour protocols.

They insisted they would not accept any outcome imposed outside the negotiation framework.

“We are not party to this decision, and both unions will only accept what is collectively agreed upon at the negotiation table,” the statement added.

Talks between the Federal Government and university-based unions are currently being handled by a committee led by Dr. Yayale Ahmed, but the unions emphasised that discussions are still ongoing without any final agreement.

The JAC also called for the immediate withdrawal of the disputed document to avoid further confusion within the university system.

“We urge the Honourable Minister to retract the letter currently in circulation,” the unions said.
The controversy comes on the heels of a recent 40 per cent salary increase granted to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).