Academic and administrative activities have been paralysed at the University of Ilorin following the commencement of an indefinite strike by non-teaching staff unions.
Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the university’s main gate, effectively grounding operations across the campus.
The unions carried placards demanding improved welfare, payment of withheld salaries, and salary adjustments, insisting on a 45 per cent increment rather than the 30 per cent reportedly proposed by the Federal Government.
SSANU UNILORIN branch chairman, Prof. Falowo Olushola, said the action followed the government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with non-teaching staff unions.
He explained that multiple ultimatums issued since late 2025 had expired without meaningful response, despite what he described as patience from the unions.
“Our demand is the conclusion, signing and implementation of the 2009 agreement. We reject the 30% outrightly. Our demand is 45%, and that is final,” he said.
Olushola added that non-teaching staff play essential roles in university operations, including security, ICT, finance, and logistics, and should not be excluded from salary adjustments granted to academic staff.
Similarly, NASU chairman in the institution, Suberu Ibrahim, said the strike reflects long-standing grievances, including unpaid salary arrears and exclusion from previous wage adjustments.
He noted that some members are still owed arrears dating back to 2022, including one full year and additional months, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“The university system stands on three pillars: academic, professional, and administrative. Why should one segment be sidelined?” he asked.
The unions also warned that the strike, which began at midnight on May 1, 2026, is total and indefinite, affecting all federal and state universities as well as inter-university centres nationwide.
They added that services across campuses have been withdrawn, disrupting transportation, administration, and general academic support activities.
Despite ongoing talks between union leaders and government representatives, the unions maintain that only a formal agreement addressing their demands will lead to suspension of the industrial action.
