The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has announced an indefinite nationwide strike beginning May 1, 2026. This industrial action is set to disrupt administrative and support services across federal universities and inter-university centres.
Strike to Commence at Midnight
The unions confirmed that the strike will start at midnight on May 1, 2026, following what they described as the Federal Government's failure to finalize ongoing negotiations. The decision was conveyed in a letter dated April 30, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
“In view of this, with the agreement not concluded as at 30th April 2026, and with no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12am on May 1, 2026,” the letter stated.
Unions Cite Unmet Demands
The letter, signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, noted that despite some engagements, key issues remained unresolved. “We write to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and to equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education for withdrawing the contentious letter,” the union leaders said. “Despite this, the withdrawal did not resolve the core issues in dispute.”
They added that the slow pace of renegotiation and lack of concrete proposals had worsened the situation. According to the unions, the withdrawal of the earlier circular on the 30 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance was not followed by any alternative offer. “While the letter on the withdrawal of the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance is acknowledged, no new offer has been made to supersede the 30 per cent allowances contained in the withdrawn letter,” they said.
Members' Mandate for Action
The Joint Action Committee explained that members had earlier mandated the leadership to proceed with industrial action if negotiations were not concluded by the end of April. The unions stated that the strike became unavoidable due to what they described as the government’s inability to address their concerns through meaningful dialogue.
“We hereby inform the Federal Government… that as a result of the failure of Government to avert the strike by positively acceding to our demands, all members… will commence total and comprehensive strike action by Friday, May 1, 2026,” the statement added.
Expected Disruptions
The planned strike is expected to disrupt administrative and support services across federal universities, raising concerns about another round of interruptions in Nigeria’s higher education system. This development follows months of unresolved negotiations between the unions and the Federal Government, with the unions demanding improved welfare packages and better working conditions.
