The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release and pay all outstanding arrears contained in the 2026 agreement between the union and the government.
The union warned that failure to fully implement the agreement and settle the accrued financial obligations could trigger an indefinite strike action across Nigerian universities.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed the position at a news conference in Abuja while presenting the resolutions of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Federal University Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Ibrahim, although implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement had commenced in some universities, the process remained incomplete in several institutions because of funding and administrative challenges.
He said the union would not accept what it described as unnecessary delays, selective implementation or marginalisation in the implementation of the agreement.
SSANU Demands Payment of Arrears
The union president stressed that the agreement took effect from January 1, 2026, despite being formally signed on June 29, 2026.
He therefore demanded that the Federal Government release the required funds to all affected universities and Inter-University Centres to enable them to fully implement the agreement and pay arrears accumulated from the effective date.
Ibrahim said implementation could not be regarded as complete while legitimate financial obligations owed to SSANU members remained outstanding.
He said: “Agreements and NEC resolutions must translate into concrete action and measurable benefits for our members.”
The union also identified earned allowances, promotions, pensions, career progression, staff development and improved conditions of service as areas requiring continued attention.
Union Threatens Indefinite Strike
SSANU said its fresh 14-day ultimatum followed an earlier warning over delays in implementing the 2026 agreement.
The association had warned that it would resist any attempt to diminish the financial and non-financial provisions contained in the agreement.
Ibrahim directed SSANU branches and zones to continue monitoring implementation across institutions, maintain accurate membership records and document cases of non-compliance or alleged victimisation.
He also instructed them to submit timely reports to the national secretariat.
While reaffirming the union’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement with the government, Ibrahim warned that such engagement should not be interpreted as weakness.
He said SSANU reserved the right to take lawful and constitutional measures to protect its members if implementation was deliberately frustrated or NEC decisions were ignored.
SSANU Rejects King’s College Concession
Meanwhile, SSANU has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to concession King’s College, Lagos, raising concerns about the proposed arrangement involving the historic institution.
The controversy followed an announcement by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in August that King’s College Lagos had been transferred to its Old Boys Association under a 35-year concession arrangement.
King’s College, Lagos, was established in 1909 by the colonial government and is more than a century old.
SSANU’s opposition adds to the concerns surrounding the future ownership, management and administration of the 117-year-old school.
The union maintained that issues affecting public educational institutions must be handled transparently and in a manner that protects the interests of stakeholders.
What Happens Next?
The Federal Government now has 14 days to address SSANU’s demands on the outstanding arrears and implementation of the 2026 agreement.
If the government fails to meet the union’s demands within the ultimatum, SSANU has warned that it could commence an indefinite strike, potentially disrupting administrative and non-academic activities in universities nationwide.