SSANU and NASU plan to suspend their nationwide strike on May 11 after reaching fresh understanding with the Federal Government.
Nigeria’s public universities may soon return to normal operations as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced plans to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
The decision was reached by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions following a series of engagements with the Federal Government over unresolved labour issues.
The unions directed their branches across the country to begin processes for the suspension, including holding congresses to brief members and ratify the decision.
The strike, which began on May 1, had significantly disrupted administrative and essential services in federal universities, affecting student registration, documentation, and other non-academic activities.
Although academic staff were not directly involved in the industrial action, the absence of non-teaching personnel slowed operations across campuses nationwide.
The latest move to suspend the strike comes after the unions secured assurances from the Federal Government regarding key demands, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement governing salaries, allowances, and working conditions.
According to union leaders, the government has committed to concluding all outstanding renegotiations within two weeks of the strike suspension.
This commitment includes a review of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), which has been a major point of contention between both parties.
The unions had earlier rejected a proposed 30 percent salary increase, insisting on a more favourable adjustment that reflects current economic realities.
The industrial action itself followed months of unresolved negotiations, with union leaders expressing frustration over what they described as the slow pace of discussions and lack of concrete outcomes.
Prior to the strike, several meetings between the unions and the government ended without agreement, leading to a breakdown in talks and eventual withdrawal of services.
The shutdown affected key administrative functions across universities, including hostel management, finance offices, and student services, leaving many students stranded.
With the planned suspension, expectations are rising that full academic activities will gradually resume, bringing relief to students and university communities.
However, stakeholders note that the suspension is conditional, as the unions have made it clear that ongoing negotiations must be concluded within the agreed timeframe.
Failure to meet these commitments could potentially trigger renewed industrial action.
Education analysts say the development highlights the recurring challenges within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, where labour disputes frequently disrupt academic calendars.
They argue that long-term solutions require consistent policy implementation, timely negotiations, and improved welfare conditions for university staff.
For students, the announcement offers a glimmer of hope after days of uncertainty and disruption.
Many have expressed concerns over delays in academic schedules, examinations, and administrative processes caused by the strike.
The Federal Government, on its part, has emphasised its willingness to resolve the issues, noting that discussions are ongoing and aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the commitments made will translate into concrete outcomes.
As universities prepare for a return to normal operations, attention will remain on the progress of negotiations and the government’s ability to fulfil its promises.
Ultimately, the planned suspension signals a temporary resolution to the crisis, but also underscores the need for lasting reforms to prevent recurring disruptions in Nigeria’s higher education sector.