The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has aligned itself with the decision of the National body to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to conclude the ongoing negotiation on welfare matters and other sundry issues by April 30,2026.
This resolution was reached during the union’s congress held on April 22, 2026, where members voiced increasing dissatisfaction over unresolved welfare issues. Union leaders explained that the decision aligns with a directive from the national leadership of SSANU.
Addressing members at the congress, the Chairman of SSANU-FUTA, Felix Adubi, noted that the union had shown considerable patience without achieving meaningful progress. He reaffirmed the National Executive Council NEC’s position as enunciated by the National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, on the final ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government from April 1 to April 30, to conclude negotiations and sign the agreements.
According to Adubi, “The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement has dragged on for too long, dating back to 2022. Although the government initially demonstrated commitment, it later became inconsistent in the negotiation process. At the end of the 54th National Executive Council meeting held at Ekiti State University in March, an ultimatum was issued from April 1 to April 30 for the government to conclude negotiations.
“We have given sufficient time for our concerns to be addressed, but the response has been disappointing. As a union, we cannot continue to remain passive while our members suffer. We are prepared to join other universities in this strike to press home our demands.”
Adunbi further stressed that the planned industrial action would be total and comprehensive, cutting across all departments, with full compliance expected from members.
“This will be a total and comprehensive strike affecting all departments in the university, and no financial member will be exempted. We are united in this struggle,” he added.
The chairman also dismissed reports of a 30 percent salary increment as false, describing the claim as unfounded. He clarified that no agreement had been finalized at the last meeting with the government. The SSANU leadership at FUTA emphasized that the strike is a collective effort aimed at drawing urgent attention to the challenges faced by non-academic staff in Nigerian universities. Members have been urged to remain united and prepared for the impending action.
The union also called on the Federal Government to urgently address their demands to prevent disruptions to administrative and academic activities across universities nationwide. SSANU-FUTA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members while expressing hope that prompt government intervention would avert the strike.
