By Atoyebi Nike
Two major university unions the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced a one-day nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, over unresolved labour issues with the Federal Government.
Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the unions have directed all branches to hold joint congresses on Wednesday to mobilise members for the protest, which will feature campus marches, placard displays, and press briefings.
Their action follows the expiration of several ultimatums and a review meeting on October 6, where the unions assessed the government’s response to their demands. Key grievances include alleged unfair sharing of N50 billion earned allowances, delays in renegotiating the 2009 agreements, unpaid salary arrears, and unremitted third-party deductions for May and June 2022.
A circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim directed full participation, stressing unity across federal and state universities.
Ibrahim accused the government of insincerity, warning that the unions could embark on an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet. “Ours will not be the ‘mother of all strikes’; it will be the grandfather of all strikes,” he said.
The unions have been locked in long-standing disputes with the government over welfare, funding, and salary structure, similar to the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ recurring face-offs.
