Education
FG Approves 30% Salary Hike for Non-Academic Staff, SSANU Raises Concerns
The Federal Government has approved a 30 per cent increase in the consolidated salary structures of non-academic staff across federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, in a move aimed at boosting morale and strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system. The decision, however, has already drawn mixed reactions from labour unions, signalling potential tensions in the sector.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the approval in an official communication addressed to key regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, and the National Commission for Colleges of Education. The directive outlined the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of non-academic personnel, who are responsible for administrative, technical, and support services within tertiary institutions.
“I write to convey the approval of His Excellency for a thirty per cent (30%) increase in the consolidated salary structures of non-academic staff,” the minister stated, adding that full implementation details were provided in an attached memorandum.
Alausa explained that the pay adjustment reflects a broader effort by the government to improve working conditions and incentivise productivity among staff who often operate behind the scenes but remain essential to institutional efficiency. According to him, the measure is also expected to contribute to the stability and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“This approval underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare, motivation, and productivity of non-academic staff,” he said. “It will also strengthen the quality, stability, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.”
Nigeria’s higher education sector has long grappled with labour disputes, underfunding, and infrastructure deficits. While much public attention has historically focused on academic unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), non-academic staff groups have increasingly asserted their relevance in recent years, demanding improved conditions of service and equitable treatment.
Despite the government’s announcement, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed reservations about the agreement. The union’s position was outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Abuja.
During the meeting, union leaders reviewed the details of the negotiation process and raised concerns over aspects of the implementation framework. Although the communiqué did not immediately call for industrial action, it signalled dissatisfaction with elements of the arrangement, suggesting that further engagement with the government may be required.
Observers note that disagreements between the government and university-based unions have, in the past, led to prolonged strikes that disrupted academic calendars and affected millions of students nationwide. The latest development, therefore, places a spotlight on the need for sustained dialogue to avoid another cycle of instability.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the salary increase in principle, describing it as a step in the right direction, particularly at a time when rising inflation has eroded the purchasing power of public sector workers. However, they also caution that salary adjustments alone may not address deeper systemic challenges facing the sector, including funding gaps, governance issues, and infrastructure decay.
The Minister urged the regulatory agencies to ensure seamless and timely implementation of the policy, emphasising the importance of collaboration across institutions.
“We look forward to your usual cooperation and support for the seamless and timely implementation of this approval,” he added.
As the policy moves into the implementation phase, attention will likely shift to how effectively it is executed and whether it satisfies the expectations of non-academic staff unions. The outcome could have significant implications for industrial harmony and the overall performance of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
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