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The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to settle salary arrears owed to its members, warning that failure to do so could trigger indefinite industrial action.
The national president of the union, Mohammed Ibrahim, announced the ultimatum in a statement issued on Monday after the 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association, held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting focused on workers’ welfare, university funding challenges and the implementation of the 2026 federal government/SSANU agreement.
The Union demands immediate payment of the arrears
SSANU said the federal government must immediately settle outstanding payments related to the implementation of the FGN/SSANU CONTTA 2026 salary structure, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.
Ibrahim said the NEC had reached a decision that the arrears should be settled without further delay.
“NEC has categorically called for the immediate release and payment of all arrears due to the implementation of the FGN/SSANU CONTTA 2026 salary structure, calculated from the effective date of January 1, 2026,” it said.
The union warned that if the government fails to respond within the 14-day period, members will go on an indefinite strike without issuing another notice.
Some universities finance salary adjustments internally
SSANU said some universities have already implemented some aspects of the new salary structure using internally generated funds rather than direct financial support from the federal government.
The union urged rectors and governing boards of institutions that have not yet implemented the agreement to follow the example of universities that have taken steps to comply.
Ibrahim also called on state governments to provide adequate funding to ensure that workers at state universities benefit from the agreement.
The union is demanding payment of withheld wages and other arrears
In addition to the CONTTA salary structure, SSANU has renewed its demand for payment of other outstanding entitlements.
The union specifically asked for: payment of two months’ salary withheld during the 2022 industrial action, payment of one year’s arrears from the 25% and 35% salary increases.
Ibrahim described the unpaid amounts as legitimate entitlements and said continued delays were worsening the financial hardships faced by university workers.
SSANU raises concerns about university funding
The union also expressed concern over the state of funding for Nigerian universities.
It called for greater public investment in: electricity supply, laboratories, workshops, libraries, ICT facilities, security systems; and infrastructure maintenance.
SSANU has rejected the idea of using virtual accreditation as a replacement for physical inspection of university facilities, arguing that proper assessment requires on-site verification.
Opposition to the privatization of public institutions
The union also criticized any proposal to franchise, privatize or transfer the management of King’s College, Lagos or other public educational institutions to private operators.
SSANU urged the government to preserve public ownership and ensure continued access to public education.
Insecurity and the rising cost of living are highlighted
The association also expressed concern over insecurity, rising living expenses and food shortages affecting workers and Nigerians in general.
He called for greater protection of farming communities and educational institutions, as well as policies aimed at safeguarding workers’ incomes.
If SSANU proceeds with industrial action after the 14-day deadline, it could affect senior non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities, including administrative, technical and professional staff.
The development comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between university workers and the government over: salary adjustments, payment delays, funding challenges, welfare conditions; and the implementation of the agreements.
The next step will depend on whether the federal government engages with the union and addresses the outstanding demands within the specified period.
