FG succumbs to SSANU threat, releases eight months arrears

—As SSANU hails minister’s swift reaction By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA — Less than two days after issuing a 14-day ultimatum over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has commended the Federal Government for releasing eight months’ salary arrears to its members. SSANU said the prompt intervention demonstrated responsiveness by the Federal Government and underscored the commitment of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, to honouring agreements reached with university-based unions. Recall that SANU had, in a communiqué issued after its 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the weekend, demanded the immediate release of funds and full payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA) arrears calculated from January 1, 2026.

SSANU had warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demand within 14 days would compel the union to resume a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice. The ultimatum also demanded payment of 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. However, less than 48 hours after the union made its position public, the Federal Government released the eight months’ arrears, averting an imminent disruption of academic activities across Nigerian universities.

Confirming the release of the eight months arrears, SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, described the development as a demonstration that constructive engagement, when matched with prompt action, can protect industrial harmony and workers’ welfare. He particularly commended Dr Alausa for his proactive intervention and for keeping to his promise to facilitate the release of the funds. Mohammed advised members of the union in their various branches to liaise with the management of their universities to ensure prompt and judicious payment and report back any shortfall Before the ultimatum was issued, the minister reportedly contacted SSANU’s national president, Ibrahim, to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds for release.

SSANU said the minister’s proactive engag… Before the ultimatum was issued, the minister reportedly contacted SSANU’s national president, Ibrahim, to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds for release. SSANU said the minister’s proactive e…