The deadline is approaching on April 30, 2026. Unless the Federal Government concludes and signs the renegotiated 2009 Agreement with SSANU and NASU, Nigerian universities risk a total, indefinite shutdown from May 1. This is avoidable. And it must be avoided.
The facts are stark, but not hopeless: 1. The ultimatum is real. After seven meetings since October 2024, SSANU/NASU gave a final window: April 1 to April 30, 2026. Their position is clear: conclude in good faith and sign or face “comprehensive and total industrial action”. As of April 26, no agreement has been signed. 2. The contrast is painful. On January 14, 2026, this same government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, signed a landmark agreement with ASUU — 40% salary increase, improved pensions and a three-year review cycle. JAC of SSANU/NASU congratulated ASUU, then asked a fair question: What about us? 3. The grievances are documented: Four months of withheld salaries from 2022 — only one paid. ₦50bn earned allowance released in 2022 — non-teaching staff got 20%. 25%/35% arrears, minimum wage arrears, and IPPIS concerns are all unresolved. A leaked “30% allowance” letter was disowned by SSANU as fake and a breach of collective bargaining.
Yet, there is room for statesmanship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, you showed political will by ending the 17-year ASUU crisis in January. You chose “dialogue, transparency, fiscal realism and strong Presidential commitment,” Dr. Alausa’s words. That same formula can prevent the May Day shutdown. Non-teaching staff are asking for a different deal than ASUU’s. They are asking for their own deal, negotiated, signed and honoured, Sir. The University does not run on lecturers alone. Admissions, exams, clinics, power, security, records—SSANU/NASU/NAAT keep the system breathing. To secure their votes, yes. But more importantly, to secure our Universities, we need to conclude this agreement.
To Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education: You delivered for ASUU within some months in office. History will be kind to that achievement. History is now watching again. The renegotiation committee you inaugurated in October 2024 has logged seven meetings. Sources say additional milestones were achieved in early April. Those milestones must now become signatures. Reconvene immediately. Put a final, credible offer on the table. Treat non-teaching staff with the same urgency accorded to teaching staff. Perception of bias, whether intended or not, is corrosive. Equity is the antidote.
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Three steps can avert this crisis before April 30, Sir: 1. Sign the renegotiated 2009 Agreement this week. If figures are the sticking point, agree on a phased implementation plan with clear dates, not promises. 2. Release the outstanding two months’ withheld salaries and publish a payment schedule for earned allowance arrears. The ₦50bn agreed in the 2022 MoU must be revisited with Inter-University Centres included.
3. Communicate directly and respectfully Disown the “fake 30% letter”. Reaffirm that collective bargaining, not circulars, will govern wages.
To SSANU/NASU: Your patience since 2009 is noted. Your ultimatum is lawful. But Nigeria’s students have suffered enough closures. If FG makes a serious, signed commitment before April 30, give dialogue one last chance.
The Obong of Calabar said it best in January: “Fast-track negotiations to safeguard varsity harmony”. That advice remains urgent.
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President, Honourable Minister, Sir, you solved ASUU. You can solve this. May 1 should be Workers’ Day, not shutdown day. The nation cannot afford another 1,200 lost days.
Sign now. Save the semester and session. Save the system, Sir.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, MANUPA, writes from the University of Ibadan, is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI); and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bayo and Bimpe Oyero Foundation (BBOF) and the 2026 Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Icon of Ibadan Heritage Awardee via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
