The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have confirmed they will not go ahead with their planned indefinite strike.

The two unions had earlier threatened to shut down universities across the country but decided to suspend the action after talks with the federal government.

SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim made the position clear in Abuja. He said the unions received firm assurances from the government’s renegotiation committee. The suspension gives room for further discussions on key issues affecting non-academic staff in public universities.

The unions had started the process for an indefinite strike but stepped it down following appeals from the government. They have now given a two-week window for the conclusion and signing of agreements. The main demands include the review of the 2009 agreement, salary improvements, payment of outstanding allowances, and better welfare conditions.

This development brings relief to students, parents, and university management who were worried about another disruption to academic activities. Lectures and administrative work are expected to continue normally as the unions monitor the government’s commitments.

Both sides will now focus on completing the renegotiation process within the agreed time. The unions have warned that failure to meet the deadline could lead to fresh industrial action. Many hope the talks will end successfully and bring lasting solutions to the challenges facing university workers.