By George Omagbemi
The Federal Government has bowed to pressure from the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and released eight months’ salary arrears owed to members of the union, averting an imminent indefinite strike.
SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, confirmed the release on Wednesday, saying the payment followed the union’s 14-day ultimatum to the government over outstanding salary arrears and the incomplete implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement.
The union had issued the ultimatum after its 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, held from September 30 to October 1. It warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action.”
SSANU had demanded payment of outstanding arrears under the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA), effective from January 1, 2026.
The union commended Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for what it described as a prompt intervention that helped secure the release of the funds and prevent another disruption in the university system.
However, the payment does not settle all outstanding claims. SSANU said the government still owes members 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 directed SSANU members to liaise with their respective university managements to ensure the funds are properly disbursed and to report any shortfall.
The latest intervention has temporarily eased tensions between the government and the university-based union, but SSANU said it would continue to press for settlement of its remaining entitlements.
Leave a Reply