The ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has been adjourned for one week to allow for further consultations.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja, follows a 30-day ultimatum issued by the union to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations before April 30, 2026.
SSANU had previously reached several resolutions during its 54th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
The association expressed significant dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the renegotiation process, particularly noting that the government had already concluded and commenced the implementation of similar agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) earlier this year.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the union characterized the prolonged engagement without clear commitment or defined timelines as unacceptable.
The union has made its position clear: if the government fails to sign the agreement within the stipulated one-month window ending April 30, SSANU will collaborate with its partners in the Joint Action Committee (JAC), including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), to commence an indefinite and total industrial action.
The NEC emphasized that while the union has demonstrated patience and goodwill despite ongoing hardships, it will not hesitate to take decisive lawful action to restore industrial justice within the university system.
Sources familiar with the proceedings of the Tuesday meeting described the deliberations as extensive and fruitful, noting that additional milestones were achieved during the session.
Although specific details of these milestones were not disclosed, the one-week adjournment is intended to provide both the government’s renegotiation committee and the union leadership sufficient time to consult with their respective principals.
The outcome of the reconvened meeting next week will be critical in determining whether a nationwide strike in the university sector can be averted.