By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed its branches to commence processes for the suspension of their ongoing nationwide 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 concerns.
The directive was contained in a circular jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and sent to branch chairpersons.
The unions said the crucial meeting was held between them and the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee, led by a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.
According to the circular, cited on Wednesday morning, they secured a firm commitment from the Federal Government to conclude all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks of suspending the strike.
The unions said 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 action 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 statement added.
The unions also disclosed that part of the ongoing discussions included a controversial 30 percent salary increase under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), which had earlier been proposed but later withdrawn by the government.
They expressed appreciation to members of the unions for their compliance with the strike directive, noting that the solidarity shown nationwide was encouraging.
Recall that NASU and SSANU commenced the strike on May 1, 2026, over the Federal Government’s 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 non-academic staff strike disrupted administrative operations in public universities across Nigeria, affecting activities such as student registration, documentation, hostel management, and other essential support services critical to the smooth running of academic institutions.
