The Federal Government has approved a 30 per cent increase in the salary structure of non-academic staff working in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, as part of efforts to address long-standing labour issues in the education sector.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the decision is meant to improve the welfare of workers who handle administrative and technical duties in higher institutions. It follows years of complaints by unions over salary gaps and unpaid benefits, as well as a recent 40 per cent pay increase earlier granted to university lecturers.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated March 30, 2026, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The government explained that the increase would be implemented through a consolidated allowance designed for non-teaching staff.
Relevant agencies, including those overseeing universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, were directed to begin steps for its execution based on the details provided in an attached memo.
Despite this development, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has rejected the move, stating that discussions with the government are not yet complete.
The union made its position known after a special meeting of its National Executive Council held in Abuja, where members reviewed the ongoing negotiations.
The union leadership said reports suggesting that an agreement had been reached were not correct, adding that talks were still in progress and no final deal had been signed. It also raised concerns about a circulating letter on the salary increase, insisting that it does not reflect the outcome of negotiations.
SSANU maintained that it would not accept any decision that does not align with what had been discussed during the negotiation process. The union stressed the need for fairness and proper engagement between both parties before any agreement is concluded.
The group also repeated its earlier warning to the Federal Government, giving a deadline of April 30, 2026, to conclude talks and sign an agreement. It stated that failure to meet this deadline could lead to an indefinite strike in collaboration with the Non-Academic Staff Union.
Members across different branches were advised to remain alert and united while waiting for further instructions from the union leadership. The council assured workers that it would continue to push for better working conditions and proper treatment for its members.