The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a one-day nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday, in response to the Federal Government’s continued failure to address their long-standing grievances.
Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions have instructed their branches to hold emergency meetings on Wednesday, October 8, to mobilize members for the planned protest, which will include campus marches, placard demonstrations, and press briefings.
The decision follows a JAC meeting held on October 6, during which the unions reviewed the government’s inaction despite multiple ultimatums. Key grievances include the alleged unfair distribution of ₦50 billion in earned allowances, delays in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreements, and the non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries.
The unions also accused the government of failing to pay arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increments, as well as neglecting to remit third-party deductions for May and June 2022.
JAC had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on September 15, which was extended by 14 days. The extension expired on Monday, October 6, without any tangible government response.
In a circular dated October 6, titled “Commencement of Protest Actions” and signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions directed all members to fully participate in the protest.
The memo stated, “Following the inauguration of the Joint Consultative Committee by the Honourable Minister of Education to look into the demands of JAC of NASU & SSANU, the Committee met twice on Friday, 19th September, 2025 and Monday, 6th October, 2025 at the Permanent Secretary’s Conference Room, Abuja with little progress as our demands remain unresolved despite extension of the ultimatum.”
It further read, “In light of this development, the National JAC at its meeting held on Monday, 6th October, 2025 hereby directs Branch leadership in the Universities and Inter-University Centres throughout the country to convene a Joint Congress in their respective campuses on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025 to mobilize and prepare for a massive and effective ONE-DAY Protest on Thursday, 9th October, 2025.”
The unions emphasized that all members in both Federal and State-owned universities are expected to strictly comply with the directive, adding that solidarity and unity are vital to the success of their cause.
What you should know
SSANU and NASU represent Nigeria’s non-academic university staff, including administrative, technical, and support personnel.
Their recurring disputes with the government often center on salary arrears, welfare benefits, and inequitable treatment compared to academic staff. The upcoming protest reflects growing frustration within the unions over unfulfilled promises and perceived government indifference to their plight.
