There is finally a glimmer of hope for the Nigerian university community. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has officially agreed to pause its ongoing indefinite strike.
Effective Monday, May 11, 2026, activities across tertiary institutions are expected to slowly resume—at least for the next fortnight.
Here is a breakdown of how this breakthrough happened, what the government is offering, and what the next two weeks look like for university staff and students.
The Breakthrough: Awaiting the President’s Nod
The decision to suspend the strike came after a crucial meeting on Tuesday, May 5, between the union leaders and the Federal Government Expanded Renegotiation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed.
According to a circular titled “Update on Strike Action,” signed by SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, the committee pleaded for a suspension of the strike to allow for further negotiations.
The most critical development from the meeting? The committee is currently awaiting the direct approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially review and finalize the government’s new offer—reportedly hovering around a 40% salary increase.
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How We Got Here: The Rejected 30%
To understand the current pause, we have to look at why the unions downed tools in the first place.
Following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum, university workers commenced an indefinite strike on April 30. In an initial attempt to pacify the unions, the Federal Government tabled a 30% salary increase. However, this was swiftly rejected by the JAC.
The unions viewed the 30% bump as paltry and fundamentally flawed, noting that it was not the product of a proper collective bargaining agreement. During the latest round of talks, the government officially withdrew that 30% offer, making way for the newly reviewed terms currently sitting on the President’s desk.
The Condition: A Strict Two-Week Ultimatum
While the suspension is a welcome relief, it is highly conditional.
The union leadership only agreed to pause the industrial action after extracting a firm commitment from the Expanded Renegotiation Committee. The agreement stipulates that all renegotiations must be fully concluded within two weeks from the date the strike is suspended.
What happens if the government fails to deliver? Sources close to the JAC leadership have made it clear: if the two-week window closes without a finalized, approved agreement, the university workers will not hesitate to resume their indefinite strike, plunging the campuses back into a shutdown.
For now, branch leaders have been urged to convene congresses to brief their members and ensure total compliance with the suspension by May 11.
Will the next two weeks yield a lasting resolution for Nigerian university workers, or is this just a brief pause in a longer battle? Stay tuned as we monitor the developments.
SSANU and NASU Suspend Strike for Two Weeks
