RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
Non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have begun moves to suspend their nationwide strike, raising hopes for the restoration of full campus activities.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) 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 suspending the industrial action effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
The decision follows a series of negotiations with the Federal Government over lingering issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and welfare concerns.
In a circular obtained by journalists, the unions said they secured a commitment from the government to conclude all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks of suspending the strike.
“The leadership of JAC considered the appeal for suspension and extracted a firm commitment that all renegotiations, including a reviewed offer on CONTISS, will be concluded within two weeks,” the statement read.
The breakthrough reportedly came after a meeting with the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee led by former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed.
Branch leaders have been directed to convene congresses to brief members and ratify the decision.
The unions also disclosed that discussions include a proposed 30 per cent salary increase under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), which had earlier been withdrawn.
NASU and SSANU began the strike on May 1, 2026, citing delays in concluding the 2009 agreement covering salaries, allowances, and working conditions.
The industrial action disrupted administrative operations across public universities, affecting student registration, documentation, and other essential services.
While academic staff were not part of the strike, the absence of non-teaching personnel led to partial shutdowns in many institutions, intensifying concerns over instability in the tertiary education sector.
