SSANU gives FG 14-day ultimatum over salary arrears

From **Adanna Nnamani, **Abuja

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to release funds for the implementation of the 2026 agreement with the union and pay outstanding salary arrears, warning that failure to comply would result in an indefinite strike.

The union, however, said the ultimatum could be averted if the Federal Government fulfils a fresh commitment to release the outstanding funds on or before next week.

National President of SSANU, Muhammad Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing after the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from September 30 to October 1.

He said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunde Aliusa, contacted him shortly before the briefing to provide an update on the release of the funds.

“Just before this press briefing, I received a call from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunde Aliusa, intimating me of the current progress being made on the release of the money,” he said.

According to him, the minister confirmed that the Director of Funds in the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s Office had indicated that the funds would be released on or before next week.

“We hope this will be done, and if that is done, it will arrest the situation. Outside that, our ultimatum stays,” Ibrahim said.

SSANU had earlier demanded the immediate release and payment of all outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 CONTTA salary structure, calculated from its effective date of January 1, 2026.

The union said although implementation of the 2026 Federal Government-SSANU Agreement had commenced in some universities, the process remained incomplete and uneven across the university system due to funding and administrative challenges. It said the outstanding arrears were legitimate financial entitlements of affected members and should be paid in full without further delay.

SSANU also noted that universities which had implemented the CONTTA salary structure had largely done so through internally sourced funds, without direct cash backing from the Federal Government.

The union further demanded immediate payment of the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action.

It also called for the payment of one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases, describing the outstanding payments as legitimate entitlements of affected university workers.

SSANU warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within 14 days would compel it to resume “a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action without further notice.”

The union also expressed concern over the uneven implementation of the agreement in state-owned universities and called on state governments and governing councils to provide the necessary funding for its execution.

It called for increased and sustainable funding for universities, particularly for electricity, laboratories, workshops, libraries, ICT facilities, security systems and maintenance.

SSANU also opposed the planned adoption of online or virtual accreditation as a substitute for physical accreditation, arguing that direct verification of facilities, staffing and equipment was necessary to safeguard academic standards.

The union further rejected any arrangement to concession, privatise or transfer the management of King’s College, Lagos, or any other public educational institution to an alumni association or private body.

It called on the Federal Government to halt the proposed arrangement and ensure that reforms preserve public ownership and management while protecting workers’ rights and access to affordable education.

On the economy and food security, SSANU expressed grave concern over persistent insecurity, rising cost of living and worsening food insecurity across the country.

It said kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes continued to threaten farming communities and public institutions, while the rising costs of food, transportation, energy, housing, healthcare and agricultural inputs had eroded workers’ purchasing power.

The union called on the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly farming communities and educational institutions, while pursuing policies to reduce the cost of living, protect workers’ incomes and improve agricultural productivity.

It also urged greater support for farmers, improved agricultural infrastructure and stronger collaboration between universities and the agricultural sector to translate research and innovation into practical solutions for increased food production and national food security.

SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, welfare and professional advancement of its members, faithful implementation of collective agreements, adequate funding of universities and the defence of accessible and quality public education.

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