The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, less than 48 hours after the union threatened an indefinite strike over unpaid entitlements.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the SSANU National President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, who said the payment had averted a looming disruption in activities across the nation’s universities.
Ibrahim commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening in the matter and facilitating the release of the funds.
SSANU had, following its 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to pay the outstanding eight months’ salaries and implement other provisions of the 2026 agreement with the union.
The union had warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
The demands also included the payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears resulting from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
While welcoming the latest payment, Ibrahim said the development demonstrated the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement in maintaining industrial harmony and protecting workers’ welfare.
He said Alausa had contacted the union’s national leadership before the ultimatum was issued, assuring it that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds.
The SSANU president urged members to work with their respective university managements to ensure that the released funds were paid promptly and appropriately, adding that any shortfall should be reported to the union.
However, the union stressed that the payment did not settle all its outstanding claims, noting that the Federal Government was still expected to pay the two months’ withheld salaries and the one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
SSANU also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full and properly funded implementation of the agreement, warning that selective or delayed compliance could lead to renewed industrial unrest in the university system.
The union nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and industrial peace, while stating that it would use all lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members where agreements were not faithfully implemented.