By The Centre for Popular Education, CEPED, University of Ibadan branch, has praised the Joint Action Committee of the Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities for what it described as their resilience and sacrifice in the ongoing struggle for improved salaries and better working conditions in public universities.
The group made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, following indications that the unions may suspend their nationwide strike from Monday, May 11, 2026, after fresh assurances from the Federal Government to conclude negotiations within two weeks.
According to CEPED, the commitment was made through the Expanded Renegotiation Committee headed by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, raising hopes for the restoration of academic and administrative activities disrupted since the strike began on May 1.
The organisation stated that the progress recorded so far was achieved through the determination of non academic workers who remained steadfast despite the hardship caused by the industrial action. It added that the struggle was necessary to push for the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement covering salaries, allowances and welfare conditions.
”It is the product of the steadfastness of non-academic staff who endured the hardship of an industrial action while refusing to back down on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement on salaries, allowances, and working conditions”. The statement read.
CEPED also urged the Federal Government to treat the renegotiation process with urgency, noting that repeated delays and unfulfilled promises had contributed to growing distrust among workers in the education sector. The group warned that continued disruption in universities had negatively affected students and the wider academic community.
“The Federal Government must honour its commitment within the agreed timeline and avoid actions that could further deepen the crisis in the nation’s public university system,” the statement added.
The organisation further called on members of NASU and SSANU to remain vigilant while monitoring the outcome of the negotiations, stressing that the struggle for proper funding and democratic administration of public universities must continue until lasting reforms are achieved.
