SSANU: University workers suspend 2-week ultimatum

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government following the release of funds for the payment of eight months of arrears of the Consolidated Salary Structure of Tertiary Institutions owed to its members.

The union announced the suspension in a notice signed by its national president, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, explaining that the decision follows the approval and release of funds by the government on October 7, 2026.

The ultimatum, which began on October 5, was aimed at pushing the government to address outstanding salary obligations affecting non-teaching staff at Nigerian universities.

SSANU said its National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), decided to suspend the planned industrial action in recognition of government intervention and to support industrial harmony in the university system.

The union, however, stressed that the release of the funds did not resolve all outstanding financial issues affecting its members, urging the federal government to take further steps to settle other unpaid entitlements.

SSANU lists pending financial requests

In the notification, the union called on the federal government to release and pay one year of arrears relating to the 25% and 35% wage premiums approved in 2023.

It also called for payment of two months’ wages withheld from its members in 2022, describing the outstanding obligations as matters requiring urgent attention.

SSANU said the government should reciprocate the union’s decision to suspend the ultimatum by demonstrating similar commitment to resolving the remaining demands.

The union argued that the payment of the eight months’ salary arrears was a positive development, but insisted that concerns regarding the well-being of its members will remain until other outstanding obligations are addressed.

According to the notice, the union’s decision was driven by the need to promote a constructive dialogue with the government while protecting the legitimate interests of university workers.

State governments are urged to implement the agreement

In addition to the federal government, SSANU called on state governments that were yet to implement the 2026 agreement to do so and settle arrears owed to state university workers.

The union said the welfare of non-teaching staff at federal and state institutions requires attention, stressing that unresolved financial obligations could undermine efforts to maintain industrial peace.

He urged the relevant authorities to honor their commitments and take concrete measures to address the concerns raised by university workers.

SSANU also called on its members to communicate the union’s position and to continue to engage stakeholders in efforts to preserve stability in the country’s universities.

The Union remains committed to dialogue

Explaining its decision, SSANU said the NAC, acting on behalf of the NEC, considered the government’s release of funds to be a positive development which justified the suspension of the planned industrial action.

The notice stated: “In recognition of this positive development, mutual understanding and good faith, the NAC, on behalf of NEC, has decided to suspend the planned industrial action.”

The union added that it remains committed to dialogue but expects the federal government to demonstrate goodwill by addressing all outstanding issues affecting its members.

It said the suspension was intended to support industrial harmony rather than signal an abandonment of its demands.

SSANU argued that resolution of outstanding salary awards, withheld salaries and other financial obligations remains essential to improve staff well-being and prevent further litigation at federal and state universities.