By Ayomide Otitoju
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 for Thursday, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting their long-standing demands.
Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions have directed their branches to hold emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilise members ahead of the protest.
The decision follows a JAC meeting held on October 6, during which the unions reviewed the government’s continued inaction despite several expired ultimatums.
Among the key grievances are the alleged lopsided distribution of ₦50 billion in earned allowances, non-renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreements, and non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries. The unions also cited unpaid arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increments and the failure to remit third-party deductions for May and June 2022.
The JAC had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum on September 15, which was extended by another 14 days—an extension that lapsed on October 6 without government response.
In a circular dated October 6, titled “Commencement of Protest Actions,” and jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, members were directed to fully participate in the protest.
“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… with little progress as our demands remain unresolved despite the extension of the ultimatum,” the circular stated.
The unions instructed all branches in federal and state-owned universities and inter-university centres to convene joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, to finalise mobilisation efforts for the one-day protest on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The statement concluded by urging members to comply fully with the directive, emphasizing that unity and participation are essential to achieving their demands.
