The Federal Government has released funds covering eight months of withheld salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), following the union’s threat to shut down academic activities across the country.
The payment came less than 48 hours after SSANU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement and demanded the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to its members.
The union had warned that failure to address its demands within the stipulated period would result in a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
SSANU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum
SSANU’s demands were contained in a communiqué issued after its 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the weekend.
Among the issues raised by the union was the payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA) arrears dating back to January 1, 2026.
The union also demanded payment of two months’ salaries withheld during its 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
The government’s release of funds covering eight months of salary arrears addresses part of the financial obligations raised by the union.
SSANU Confirms Payment
SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, confirmed the release of the funds and said members would soon begin receiving alerts reflecting the payments.
Ibrahim described the development as evidence that constructive engagement between the government and university-based unions could produce results when agreements are followed by prompt action.
He particularly commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening in the matter and facilitating the release of the funds.
According to the SSANU president, Alausa had contacted him before the ultimatum was issued to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds.
SSANU said the intervention and subsequent release represented a positive development following previous delays in implementing agreements reached with university workers.
SSANU Says Outstanding Arrears Remain
Despite welcoming the payment, the union made it clear that the government’s latest action did not resolve all its outstanding demands.
SSANU said the two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 strike remain unpaid, alongside one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
The union described the outstanding payments as legitimate entitlements and called on the government to settle them without further delay.
SSANU also directed its members across various branches to liaise with their university managements to ensure that the released funds are paid promptly and accurately.
Members were asked to report any shortfall in their payments to the union.
Union Warns Against Selective Implementation
SSANU further called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure the full and equitable implementation of the agreement.
The union warned that selective or delayed compliance could create fresh tension within the university system.
While welcoming the release of the eight months’ arrears, SSANU said it would continue engaging the government over the remaining issues affecting the welfare of its members.
The union also said it would use lawful and constitutional means to protect the rights, welfare and professional interests of university workers if agreements are not faithfully implemented.
The latest payment could ease immediate tensions between SSANU and the Federal Government, although the union’s remaining demands mean that discussions over outstanding salary obligations are expected to continue.
SSANU said the release had reinforced its belief that sustained engagement between the government and university-based unions could help promote industrial harmony and benefit workers, students and the wider Nigerian university system.