The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has confirmed that a nationwide strike will commence tomorrow, disrupting operations in federal universities and inter-university centres.
The unions, in a letter dated 30th April, 2026, and written to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said they took the decision because the Federal Government has failed to end ongoing renegotiations and submit a fresh offer on allowances.
The letter signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim stated that the strike will commence at midnight of May 1, 2026, reported The PUNCH.
The union leaders stated, “We write to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and to equally appreciate the Honourable Minister of Education for withdrawing the contentious letter,” in reference to the prior circular on 30 per cent increase in the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance.
“However, the withdrawal did not settle the substantive issues in dispute.
They stated the consultation “has reached a consensus result that our demand with regard to the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been satisfied”.
The unions say that no other proposal has been put forward to replace the allowance that has been revoked.
They acknowledged receipt of the letter on removal of the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance but said there was no new offer to replace the 30 per cent allowances in the withdrawn letter.
The JAC said its members had given the leadership a mandate to strike if the government had not concluded discussions by April 30.
“Therefore, in absence of a concluded agreement as of 30th April 2026 and no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12am on May 1, 2026,” the letter said.
The unions claimed the industrial action was unavoidable after what they characterized as the government’s failure to stop the crisis through serious engagement.
“We wish to inform the federal government that owing to the failure of the Government to prevent the strike by positively acceding to our demands, all members shall embark on total and comprehensive strike action by Friday, 1st May, 2026,” Adeyemi and Ibrahim stated.
The walkout is anticipated to cripple administrative and support services in federal tertiary institutions, sparking fears of another round of disruptions in Nigeria’s university system that has been plagued by periodic industrial disputes in recent years.
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