Relief for University Workers as FG Releases 8 Months’ Arrears, Union Suspends Strike Threat
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its two-week strike ultimatum to the Federal Government following the release of eight months’ allowance arrears owed to its members. However, the union insists that several outstanding financial demands must still be addressed.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its planned industrial action after the Federal Government released funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears covering January to August 2026.
The development followed the government’s release of funds on October 7, 2026, to settle outstanding payments under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Teaching and Non-Teaching Allowance (CONTTA).
SSANU had issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 5, warning that failure to address its demands could lead to a comprehensive and indefinite strike across affected institutions.
However, following the release of the funds, the union’s National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of its National Executive Council (NEC), resolved to suspend the ultimatum.
The decision was announced by SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, who said the union recognised the government’s intervention and remained committed to constructive engagement and industrial harmony in the university system.
Outstanding Payments Remain a Major Concern
Despite suspending the ultimatum, SSANU said the release of the eight months’ arrears did not mean that all its demands had been resolved.
The union urged the Federal Government to pay the outstanding one-year arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary awards introduced in 2023.
It also demanded payment of two months’ salaries withheld in 2022.
In addition, SSANU called on state governments yet to implement the 2026 agreement with university workers to fulfil their obligations and settle outstanding arrears owed to staff of state-owned universities.
The union maintained that government must demonstrate the same goodwill by taking concrete steps to resolve the remaining welfare issues affecting its members.
What the Development Means for University Workers
The suspension of the ultimatum is a temporary relief for workers and students who could have been affected by another round of industrial action.
For university workers, the release of the funds represents progress towards settling outstanding entitlements, although the actual payment process and the resolution of other arrears remain important concerns.
For students and parents, the development reduces the immediate threat of a strike by SSANU members, which could disrupt administrative operations and other essential services in universities.
However, the suspension should not be interpreted as a permanent resolution of the dispute, as the union has made it clear that several demands remain outstanding.
Union Urges Government to Honour Agreements
SSANU reiterated its commitment to dialogue but urged the Federal Government and state governments to ensure that agreements reached with university workers translate into concrete financial benefits.
The association also encouraged its National Executive Council members to communicate the decision to their respective branches while continuing engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The latest development highlights the role of prompt government intervention in preventing industrial disputes from escalating into strikes capable of disrupting Nigeria’s university system.
