The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, barely 24 hours after the union threatened an indefinite nationwide strike over unpaid entitlements. This development has averted a potential shutdown of universities nationwide. The release of funds has eased tensions between the government and non-academic university workers.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities had threatened to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike without further notice if the government failed to address its outstanding financial obligations within a stipulated period. The union issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding the settlement of outstanding payments and implementation of its 2026 agreement. The ultimatum was issued at the union's 56th National Executive Council meeting, held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The 2026 agreement, which was formally signed on 29 June 2026, took effect retrospectively from 1 January 2026. However, the association expressed concern that implementation remained incomplete in several universities due to funding constraints and administrative delays. The union demanded the immediate release of funds to affected universities and full payment of arrears arising from the agreement.
SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed the government's intervention, welcoming it as evidence of the Federal Government's responsiveness and the commitment of the Minister of Education to honouring agreements reached with university-based unions. Ibrahim stated that the planned industrial action had been averted following the government's release of the salary arrears.
This development marks another significant turn in the prolonged dispute between the Federal Government and non-academic university workers over withheld salaries and outstanding entitlements. In October 2024, SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike to demand payment of four months' withheld salaries.
The unions accused the government of discriminatory treatment after salaries withheld from members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities were reportedly paid while non-academic workers remained unpaid. Although the latest release has eased tensions, questions remain over the full implementation of the 2026 agreement across federal universities.
The release of the salary arrears has brought relief to members of SSANU, who had been anxiously waiting for the government to address their outstanding entitlements. The government's intervention has prevented a potential shutdown of universities nationwide, ensuring the continued provision of essential services and academic activities.
Key points
- The Federal Government released eight months' salary arrears to SSANU.
- The release averted an indefinite nationwide strike by SSANU.
- The 2026 agreement implementation remains incomplete in several universities.
