The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release funds for the implementation of the 2026 agreement with the union and pay outstanding salary arrears. Failure to comply would result in an indefinite strike. The union, however, expressed hope that the ultimatum could be averted if the Federal Government fulfils its commitment to release the outstanding funds on or before next week.
National President of SSANU, Muhammad Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing after the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from September 30 to October 1. He said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunde Aliusa, contacted him shortly before the briefing to provide an update on the release of the funds.
According to Ibrahim, the minister confirmed that the Director of Funds in the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s Office had indicated that the funds would be released on or before next week. SSANU had earlier demanded the immediate release and payment of all outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 CONTTA salary structure, calculated from its effective date of January 1, 2026.
The union said although implementation of the 2026 Federal Government-SSANU Agreement had commenced in some universities, the process remained incomplete and uneven across the university system due to funding and administrative challenges. It said the outstanding arrears were legitimate financial entitlements of affected members and should be paid in full without further delay.
SSANU also noted that universities which had implemented the CONTTA salary structure had largely done so through internally sourced funds, without direct cash backing from the Federal Government. The union further demanded immediate payment of the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action and one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
The union warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within 14 days would compel it to resume “a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action without further notice.” SSANU also expressed concern over the uneven implementation of the agreement in state-owned universities and called on state governments and governing councils to provide the necessary funding for its execution.
SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, welfare and professional advancement of its members, faithful implementation of collective agreements, adequate funding of universities and the defence of accessible and quality public education. The union also called on the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly farming communities and educational institutions.
Key points
- SSANU issues 14-day ultimatum to FG over salary arrears
- Union threatens indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears
- FG urged to release funds for implementation of 2026 agreement
