The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned that it may initiate a nationwide strike in January 2026 due to the deepening marginalisation of non-teaching staff and the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances.
The union issued the warning in a communiqué released after its 53rd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where it reviewed security concerns across institutions and noted the rising wave of kidnappings targeting schools in Niger and Kebbi States.
The communique signed by SSANU national president, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, urged federal and state authorities to strengthen surveillance systems, improve perimeter security, and provide comprehensive insurance for university workers.
It stated that the deteriorating environment was exposing staff and students to increasing risks and demanded immediate intervention.
The communiqué also criticised the government’s handling of earned allowances and ongoing negotiation processes, saying non-teaching staff had been repeatedly sidelined. It insisted that the N50 billion captured in the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be released without delay and that inter-university centres and research institutes be included in the next disbursement.
It cautioned that failure to conclude credible renegotiations by December 31, 2025, would trigger a total and system-wide industrial action.
