Relief For University Workers As FG Pays Eight Months SSANU Salary Arrears

The Federal Government has released eight months of outstanding salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), easing tensions between the government and the union following a recent strike threat.

The development came less than 48 hours after SSANU issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over the implementation of the 2026 agreement reached between both parties.

SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, confirmed the release of the funds and said members would soon begin receiving payment alerts.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ibrahim described the development as a positive outcome of engagement between the union and government, noting that prompt action on workers’ welfare could help sustain industrial harmony in the university system.

SSANU had demanded the immediate payment of outstanding arrears under the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA), with the union seeking payment calculated from January 1, 2026.

The demands followed resolutions reached at the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.

Although the release of the eight months’ arrears has reduced the immediate tension, SSANU said several outstanding issues remain unresolved.

The union is still demanding payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the implementation of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

SSANU maintained that the outstanding payments constitute legitimate entitlements of its members and should be addressed without further delay.

Ibrahim also urged members in various universities to liaise with their respective managements to ensure that the released funds were properly and promptly distributed. He asked members to report any discrepancies or shortfalls to the union.

The SSANU president commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening in the matter and facilitating discussions that led to the release of the funds.

The union said Alausa had earlier contacted its national leadership to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds.

SSANU noted that the intervention and subsequent release of the arrears demonstrated the importance of sustained engagement in resolving disputes involving university workers.

The union, however, urged the Federal Government to maintain the approach and address all remaining financial obligations owed to university-based unions.

It also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure the full and equitable implementation of agreements applicable to their institutions.

SSANU warned that selective or prolonged delays in implementing agreed terms could trigger renewed tension within the university system.

While welcoming the payment of the eight months’ arrears, the union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace, while stressing that it would continue to use lawful and constitutional means to protect the rights and welfare of its members.

The development is expected to ease concerns over a possible disruption of academic activities, although the unresolved salary issues could remain a source of tension if they are not addressed by the government.