Nigeria’s tertiary education sector may be heading for another disruption as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 per cent salary increase for non-academic staff, insisting that negotiations are still ongoing.
The Federal Government recently announced the approval of a 30 per cent increment in the consolidated salary structure for non-teaching staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, describing the move as part of efforts to address lingering labour disputes and improve staff welfare.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated March 30, 2026, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who noted that the increase would be implemented through a Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance.
According to the minister, the decision underscores government’s resolve to enhance morale, productivity and efficiency among non-academic personnel, whose roles are considered vital to the smooth functioning of higher institutions.
He further stated that the measure is expected to strengthen the overall quality and competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, while urging relevant agencies to ensure prompt implementation.
The directive was issued to key regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education, with instructions to begin execution in line with provided guidelines.
However, SSANU has rejected the development, stating that it does not reflect the outcome of its negotiations with the Federal Government.
In a communiqué released after a special meeting of its National Executive Council in Abuja, the union maintained that discussions remain inconclusive and no formal agreement has been reached.
The statement, signed by SSANU National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, faulted reports suggesting that a deal had been sealed, describing them as misleading.
The union warned that it would not accept any arrangement that falls short of the terms already discussed during negotiations, stressing the need for fairness, due process and adherence to collective bargaining principles.
SSANU also reaffirmed its earlier ultimatum, issued jointly with the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), giving the Federal Government until April 30, 2026, to conclude negotiations and formalise an agreement.
It cautioned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger an indefinite strike across public tertiary institutions.
“SSANU will have no alternative but to, along with NASU, commence an indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action,” the communiqué stated.
The union urged its members nationwide to remain calm but alert, and to be prepared to act in defence of their rights and welfare if negotiations break down.
The dispute highlights longstanding grievances among non-academic staff, including salary disparities, unpaid allowances and what they describe as unequal treatment compared to academic staff.
Tensions were further heightened following the Federal Government’s earlier approval of a 40 per cent salary increase for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a move that non-teaching workers say widened existing gaps.
Meanwhile, implementation of the government’s directive appears to be underway in some quarters. The National Commission for Colleges of Education has directed provosts of federal colleges to commence necessary processes for the rollout of the new salary structure.
In a memo issued on behalf of its Executive Secretary, Dr Angela Ajala, the commission instructed bursars and institutional heads to align with the approved adjustment.
In recent years, strikes by SSANU and NASU have repeatedly disrupted administrative operations in tertiary institutions, affecting student services, examinations and institutional management.
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