FG Releases Eight Months' Salary Arrears to SSANU, Union Says

The Federal Government has released eight months' salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), a move that heads off a strike the union had threatened, according to its president.

 

SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed the release while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

The union had earlier issued the government a 14-day ultimatum to pay outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement. It warned that if the demand was not met within that period, its members would begin a "total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action" without further notice.

 

 Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for its prompt response, saying the release would help sustain industrial harmony in Nigeria's universities.

 

He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for what he called his proactive intervention and his efforts in securing the funds.

 

According to the union leader, the outcome shows that dialogue between government and university-based unions can yield results when it is backed by timely action.

 

"This is a demonstration that constructive engagement, when matched with prompt action, can protect industrial harmony and workers' welfare," Ibrahim said.

 

 

The SSANU president urged members across the country to work with their university managements to ensure the released funds are paid promptly and judiciously.

 

He directed them to report any shortfall or irregularity in the payments to the union for appropriate action.

 

 

Ibrahim called on the Federal Government to keep up the same responsiveness in implementing agreements with university-based unions and in settling outstanding entitlements.

 

He insisted, however, that the government must still pay two months' salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one year of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

 

"These are legitimate entitlements of our members and should not be subjected to further delay," he said.

 

He also urged state governments and the governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure that agreements reached with university-based unions are fully implemented and properly funded.

 

Selective or delayed implementation, he warned, could spark fresh tensions and undermine industrial harmony in the university system.

 

Ibrahim reaffirmed SSANU's commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace, but said the union would use lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members.

 

He said the release of the arrears had strengthened confidence that constructive engagement could deliver tangible results for workers, students and the wider Nigerian university system.