Academic and administrative activities at the University of Ilorin have been paralysed following the commencement of an indefinite strike by members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The unions on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the institution’s main gate, displaying placards with messages such as “We demand fair treatment and living wages,” “Pay withheld salaries now,” and “45% increment is our demand, not 30%,” while enforcing compliance with the industrial action.
Chairman of SSANU, UNILORIN chapter, Prof. Falowo Olushola, said the strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s failure to conclude and implement the long-standing 2009 agreement with non-teaching staff unions.
He noted that the unions had issued multiple ultimatums since December 2025 and March 2026, with the latest deadline expiring on May 1 without any concrete action from the government.
“We have been patient and patriotic, but nothing has been done. This is not a warning strike. Our demand is clear—the conclusion, signing, and implementation of the 2009 agreement, alongside a 45 per cent salary increment,” he said.
Olushola added that the proposed 30 per cent increment by the government had been rejected by non-teaching staff across federal universities, insisting that anything below 45 per cent would not be accepted.
Also speaking, NASU Chairman at the university, Suberu Ibrahim, described the protest as part of a prolonged struggle dating back several years, noting that renegotiations of the agreement had been ongoing since 2017 without resolution.
He criticised what he called the marginalisation of non-teaching staff, especially after academic staff reportedly received salary and allowance increases earlier in the year.
“The university system stands on three pillars—academic, professional, and administrative. Non-teaching staff handle the administrative and professional components. Why should one segment be sidelined?” he asked.
Ibrahim also highlighted outstanding arrears owed to members, including one year and two months of unpaid salaries dating back to 2022, insisting that all liabilities must be settled.
The strike, which began at midnight on May 1, has significantly disrupted campus operations, with essential services such as transportation and administrative support grounded.
“The implication is clear—without non-teaching staff, the system cannot function. Students are already feeling the impact,” he said.
The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU had earlier declared the nationwide indefinite strike after a last-minute meeting with government representatives on April 29 ended in a deadlock.
Despite reports of fresh negotiations, the unions have maintained that the strike will continue until concrete agreements are reached and fully implemented