A storm is gathering across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector as non-teaching staff unions at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, have issued a powerful communiqué that signals the beginning of a sweeping and indefinite industrial action across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, disrupting academic schedules and intensifying pressure on the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table with renewed seriousness.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the atmosphere at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium on April 30, 2026 carried a weight that went far beyond formal deliberations, evolving instead into a powerful convergence of grief, frustration, and unwavering resolve.
The declaration, reached after an intense Joint Congress of SSANU, NAAT, and NASU, has sent a clear and uncompromising message to the Federal Government that unresolved grievances will no longer be tolerated.
ValidViewNetwork further reports that the Congress, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium was not merely a routine gathering but a decisive moment of unity, resistance, and collective resolve among university workers who say their contributions have long been undervalued and misrepresented.
From solemn prayers and tributes to deceased colleagues to passionate deliberations, the atmosphere reflected both mourning and determination. Presided over by Comrade Dr. O. J. Obamoyegun, the Congress brought together key union leaders and members who carefully examined the state of negotiations with the Federal Government before arriving at far reaching conclusions.
A System Under Strain
In a strongly worded communiqué, the Congress laid bare its concerns, warning that government actions threaten the very fabric of institutional harmony.
“The Congress observed with concern the perceived adoption of a divide and rule approach by the Federal Government of Nigeria and affirmed that it is capable of creating disunity within the University system and undermining institutional harmony” ValidViewNetwork reports.
Members expressed deep dissatisfaction over what they described as a persistent misrepresentation of their roles:
“The Congress noted with displeasure the persistent mischaracterization of Non-Teaching staff as ‘supporting staff,’ a designation considered derogatory and unreflective of their critical roles.”
The communiqué also condemned what it described as unilateral decision making by authorities:
“The Congress observed that the Honourable Minister of Education unilaterally announced a 30% salary increment without collective bargaining despite ongoing renegotiations.”
Even more troubling, according to the unions, is the absence of any concrete agreement:
“The Congress noted that no formal agreement has been reached on the renegotiation process,” adding that both monetary and non-monetary issues remain unresolved.
With a 30 day ultimatum already expired without meaningful progress, the unions concluded that patience had run out, ValidViewNetwork reports.
A Defining Line Drawn
In response to these observations, the Congress issued bold and uncompromising resolutions that now shape the unfolding crisis.
“The Congress strongly rejected the continued classification of non-teaching staff as ‘supporting staff’ describing it as inappropriate and unacceptable.”
It also dismissed the announced salary increase in its entirety: “The Congress unequivocally rejected the purported 30% salary increment as it did not emanate from any concluded negotiation or mutual agreement.”
The most consequential decision, however, leaves no room for ambiguity: “The Congress directed all members to commence a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action effective from Friday, 1st May, 2026.”
Reinforcing its seriousness, the Congress declared: “The strike action shall be total in nature, with no provision for skeletal or essential services by any member.”
To ensure strict compliance, enforcement mechanisms were approved: “The Congress approved the constitution of Taskforce and Monitoring Teams and resolved that any member who violates the resolutions shall be sanctioned,” ValidViewNetwork reports
United Leadership Front
The communiqué which was sighted by our correspondence was jointly signed by key union leaders, reflecting a unified front across all bodies involved. These include:
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- Comrade Dr. O. J. Obamoyegun, Chairman, SSANU
- Comrade L. Gbadamosi, Chairman, NAAT
- Comrade C. J. Obadofin, Chairman, NASU
- Comrade Dr. Akinola E. T., Branch Secretary, SSANU
- Comrade M. Saliyu, General Secretary, NAAT
- Comrade H. O. Maiyanga, General Secretary, NASU
Their collective endorsement underscores the depth of consensus and determination behind the resolutions.
A Sector at a Crossroads
The resolutions emerging from this Congress mark more than the start of a strike. They represent a defining confrontation over recognition, fairness, and the future of Nigeria’s education system, ValidViewNetwork reports.
By rejecting imposed decisions, demanding dignity in professional identity, and insisting on negotiated agreements, the unions have drawn a clear line that challenges existing power dynamics. The declaration of a total and indefinite strike signals not just dissatisfaction but a readiness to endure prolonged disruption in pursuit of justice.
As the strike takes effect nationwide, the implications are profound. Academic calendars face uncertainty, institutional operations may grind to a halt, and pressure will mount on the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table with sincerity and urgency, ValidViewNetwork reports
In this unfolding standoff, one message stands unmistakably clear: the voices of non-teaching staff can no longer be sidelined, and their resolve may well redefine the trajectory of industrial relations in Nigeria’s education sector.
