Non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have begun moves to suspend their nationwide strike, raising fresh hopes for the full restoration of activities across campuses.
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 initiate processes for suspending the strike effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
The decision followed a series of engagements with the Federal Government over unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and welfare concerns.
In a circular jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions said they secured a firm commitment from the government to conclude all pending renegotiations within two weeks of suspending the strike.
The breakthrough, according to the unions, came after a crucial meeting with the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee led by Yayale Ahmed.
They noted that any further adjustment to the government’s earlier offer would require the approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As part of the resolution process, branch leaders have been directed to convene congresses to brief members and ratify the decision to suspend the industrial action.
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cent salary increase under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), which had earlier been withdrawn by the government.
NASU and SSANU had embarked on the strike on May 1, 2026, citing delays in implementing the 2009 agreement covering salaries, allowances, and working conditions.
The strike disrupted administrative operations in public universities nationwide, affecting student registration, documentation, and other essential services.
Its suspension is expected to ease tensions and restore stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, which has faced repeated disruptions due to disputes between university unions and the government.