African university lecturer industrial actions

Academic unions across several African nations have initiated or threatened indefinite strikes due to disputes over unpaid allowances, salary increments, and the implementation of collective bargaining agreements.

In Ghana, the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) began an indefinite strike citing unpaid post-retirement contracts and unilateral changes to service schemes. In Nigeria, unions in Lagos State-owned universities issued ultimatums, while the University of Benin branch of ASUU threatened legal action over unpaid emoluments. In Sierra Leone, the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) maintained nationwide action, demanding a 100% salary increase.

In Kenya, staff unions including UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA commenced nationwide industrial action following the collapse of negotiations regarding the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. While unions rejected a proposed 4% annual increase, President William Ruto attributed the unrest to unresolved issues from the previous administration. By early October, Kenyan university staff extended their strike, maintaining that action would continue until employment issues and agreements are resolved. Additionally, the UASU expressed opposition to the proposed Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation lacks a clear distinction between student and institutional financing.

In Nigeria, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to settle outstanding salary arrears. SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim stated that failure to comply with demands regarding the 2026 FGN/SSANU CONTTA salary structure, withheld salaries from a 2022 strike, and recent percentage increases will result in an indefinite strike. Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) is advocating for a Special Teachers’ Salary Structure (STSS) and subsidized housing to improve educator welfare.