The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), averting an imminent strike by the university workers’ union.
SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, confirmed the release on Wednesday in Abuja, less than 48 hours after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum over the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria/SSANU agreement.
SSANU had warned that failure to address its demands within the ultimatum would compel it to embark on a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
The union’s position followed its 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where it demanded the release of funds for the implementation of outstanding provisions of the 2026 agreement, including arrears under the applicable university salary structure.
Reacting to the release, Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for its prompt response and praised the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening to facilitate the payment.
He said the development demonstrated that constructive engagement between government and university-based unions could protect industrial harmony when followed by prompt 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 liaise with the managements of their respective universities to ensure that the released funds are paid promptly and judiciously.
He also directed members to report any shortfall or irregularity in payment to the union for appropriate action.
While welcoming the release, Ibrahim made clear that the payment did not resolve all of SSANU’s outstanding financial demands.
He said the Federal Government still owed members 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.
“These are legitimate entitlements of our members and should not be subjected to further delay,” he said.
SSANU has also urged state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full and properly funded implementation of agreements reached with university-based unions.
According to Ibrahim, selective or delayed implementation of such agreements could generate fresh tensions and undermine industrial harmony across the university system.
The union president nevertheless reaffirmed SSANU’s commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace, while maintaining that it would use lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members.
