FG Releases Eight Months’ Salary Arrears to SSANU Members

The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), easing tension days after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum over unresolved workers’ demands.

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The development came less than 48 hours after SSANU warned that failure by the government to implement the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement could lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” across Nigerian universities.

Confirming the release, SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, said members would soon begin receiving alerts. He described the development as evidence that constructive engagement and prompt government action could help preserve industrial harmony in the university system.

SSANU had demanded the release of funds for the payment of outstanding salary arrears, including amounts relating to the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA). The union also commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening in the matter and facilitating discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

However, SSANU said some outstanding issues remain unresolved. The union is still demanding payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

Ibrahim urged members to work with the management of their respective universities to ensure that the released funds are properly and promptly paid, asking workers to report any shortfalls to the union.

The union also called on the Federal Government to settle all outstanding entitlements and urged state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full and equitable implementation of the agreement.

SSANU warned that further delays or selective implementation of agreed provisions could trigger fresh tension in the university system, although it reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace.