FG Releases 8 Months’ Salary Arrears After SSANU Strike Threat
The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), averting an imminent industrial crisis in the nation’s university system.
The payment came less than 48 hours after SSANU threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what it described as delays in implementing the 2026 agreement reached with the Federal Government.
SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, who confirmed the release on Wednesday, commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for intervening to resolve the matter.
He said the development had helped avert a fresh disruption to academic and administrative activities in Nigerian universities.
The union had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government following its 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
It demanded the release of outstanding funds and settlement of arrears under the Consolidated University Non-Academic Salary Structure (CONTISS) effective from January 1, 2026.
SSANU had warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
The union’s demands also included 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.
Reacting to the latest development, Ibrahim said the payment demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement between the government and organised labour in preserving industrial harmony and protecting workers’ welfare.
He specifically praised Alausa for his intervention and for keeping his commitment to facilitate the release of the funds.
The SSANU president urged members to liaise with their respective university managements to ensure that the released funds were paid promptly and appropriately.
He also advised members to report any discrepancies or shortfalls in payment to the union.
According to SSANU, Alausa had contacted its national president before the ultimatum was issued, informing him that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were already processing the funds.
Despite welcoming the payment, however, the union stressed that some outstanding obligations remained unresolved.
SSANU insisted that the Federal Government must still pay the two months’ withheld salaries and the one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments.
The union also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure the full and properly funded implementation of the agreement.
It warned that selective or delayed implementation could spark further unrest across the university system.
SSANU nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and industrial peace, while warning that it would deploy all lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members where agreements were not faithfully implemented.
The payment came less than 48 hours after SSANU threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what it described as delays in implementing the 2026 agreement reached with the Federal Government.
SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, who confirmed the release on Wednesday, commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for intervening to resolve the matter.
He said the development had helped avert a fresh disruption to academic and administrative activities in Nigerian universities.
The union had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government following its 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
It demanded the release of outstanding funds and settlement of arrears under the Consolidated University Non-Academic Salary Structure (CONTISS) effective from January 1, 2026.
SSANU had warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
The union’s demands also included 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.
Reacting to the latest development, Ibrahim said the payment demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement between the government and organised labour in preserving industrial harmony and protecting workers’ welfare.
He specifically praised Alausa for his intervention and for keeping his commitment to facilitate the release of the funds.
The SSANU president urged members to liaise with their respective university managements to ensure that the released funds were paid promptly and appropriately.
He also advised members to report any discrepancies or shortfalls in payment to the union.
According to SSANU, Alausa had contacted its national president before the ultimatum was issued, informing him that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were already processing the funds.
Despite welcoming the payment, however, the union stressed that some outstanding obligations remained unresolved.
SSANU insisted that the Federal Government must still pay the two months’ withheld salaries and the one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments.
The union also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure the full and properly funded implementation of the agreement.
It warned that selective or delayed implementation could spark further unrest across the university system.
SSANU nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and industrial peace, while warning that it would deploy all lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members where agreements were not faithfully implemented.
