SSANU Gets Eight Months’ Arrears from FG After 14-Day Ultimatum

The Federal Government has released eight months of salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). The release came on Wednesday, after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum.

The arrears are part of the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA). They date from January 1, 2026.

The payment followed pressure from SSANU. The union emerged from its 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the weekend. Members were preparing for a strike.

SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim confirmed the release. He commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for his intervention. He said the minister kept his promise to facilitate the funds.

Ibrahim asked members in various branches to liaise with their university management. He said they should ensure prompt and judicious payment. He also asked them to report any shortfall.

Minister’s Intervention And Union’s Response

While the strike threat loomed, the minister contacted Ibrahim. He confirmed that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds.

Ibrahim described the minister’s proactive engagement as a departure from the usual delay in implementing negotiated agreements.

SSANU asked the Federal Government to sustain the tempo. The union said all remaining entitlements of university workers should be settled.

However, SSANU maintained that the government must still pay two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action. It also demanded one year of arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increases.

The union said these payments are necessary obligations. They should not be delayed further.

NEC called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities. It asked them to ensure full, equitable and properly funded implementation of the agreement.

It warned that selective or delayed implementation could fuel unrest in the university system.

SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace.

However, it said it would deploy all lawful and constitutional means to protect its members’ rights and welfare where agreements are not faithfully implemented.

The release of the arrears eases immediate tension. But the outstanding demands remain. Until they are settled, the union says its options stay open.