The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday formalised the renegotiated 2009 agreement with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). The signing comes five months after a comparable accord was reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi signed the agreement, and representing the Federal Government was Yayale Ahmed, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Mr. Ahmed serves as the Chairman of the Federal Government Tertiary Institution Expanded Negotiation Committee, which was reconstituted in October 2025 by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

While ASUU concluded its renegotiation on 14 January, SSANU and NASU had previously criticised the government for perceived disparities in the negotiation process, leading to heightened industrial tension.

Background of industrial action

In May, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU initiated a strike, citing delays in the renegotiation timeline. The action was suspended after one week following government assurances that the process would be expedited.

At the time of suspension, union leadership warned that services would be withdrawn again if a definitive resolution was not reached within a specified two-week window.

Scope of the new deal

The successful conclusion of the talks on Monday afternoon in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marks a significant step toward industrial harmony within the nation’s tertiary education sector.

Sources familiar with the proceedings indicate that the new deal addresses critical areas including revised salary structures, increased allowances, and enhanced conditions of service for non-academic staff.

The agreement also encompasses matters of university governance and the full implementation of collective bargaining outcomes, which had remained central to the unions’ grievances.

Further provisions include the settlement of outstanding arrears and allowances. Union representatives had previously rejected unilateral wage offers, insisting on a negotiated framework to ensure long-term welfare stability.

Details later