FG Releases Eight Months’ Arrears After SSANU Ultimatum

The Federal Government has approved the release of eight months’ salary arrears to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), just two days after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement.

SSANU, in a communiqué after its 56th National Executive Council meeting in Uyo, had demanded immediate payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA) arrears, warning of an indefinite strike if the government failed to act.

Confirming the release, SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, hailed the intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, describing it as proof that constructive engagement backed by swift government action can safeguard industrial harmony.

Among SSANU’s demands were:Payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 industrial action.

Settlement of arrears arising from the 25% and 35% salary increases.Full implementation of CONTTA across federal and state-owned universities.

While welcoming the release of arrears, SSANU stressed that the government must still settle the outstanding two months’ withheld salaries and one-year arrears from salary increases.

The union warned that selective or delayed implementation could trigger unrest in the university system.Ibrahim urged members to liaise with their university managements to ensure prompt and transparent payment, promising that the union would continue to pursue workers’ welfare through lawful and constitutional means.

SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace but insisted that agreements must be faithfully implemented to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s university system.