The Federal Government has moved to avert another disruption in Nigeria’s university system with the release of eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
The development came as the union’s 14-day ultimatum to government over outstanding payments was approaching, with SSANU threatening to embark on a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike” if its demands were not met.
President of SSANU, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the release of the funds on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the intervention as a significant step towards preserving industrial harmony across the nation’s universities.
The union had raised concerns over arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria/SSANU Agreement and demanded urgent action from the government.
Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for responding to the union’s demand, while also acknowledging the role of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in facilitating the release of the funds.
According to him, the development demonstrates that dialogue between government and university-based unions can yield tangible results when agreements are matched by timely implementation.
“This is a demonstration that constructive engagement, when matched with prompt action, can protect industrial harmony and workers’ welfare,” he said.
He urged SSANU members to work with the managements of their respective universities to ensure that the released funds are paid promptly and judiciously.
The union president also directed members to report any shortfall, omission or irregularity in payment to SSANU for appropriate action.
While the release has eased the immediate threat of industrial action, Ibrahim made it clear that several outstanding issues remain unresolved.
He specifically demanded the payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the implementation of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
“These are legitimate entitlements of our members and should not be subjected to further delay,” he said.
The unresolved payments could remain a source of tension within the university system if not addressed, particularly as university-based unions continue to press for full implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
Ibrahim also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure that agreements reached with university-based unions are fully and adequately funded.
He warned that selective or delayed implementation of such agreements could create fresh disputes and undermine efforts to maintain stability in the university system.
For SSANU, the latest intervention offers an opportunity to consolidate dialogue rather than confrontation. The union president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to industrial peace and constructive engagement, while stressing that the union would continue to employ lawful means to protect the welfare and rights of its members.
The release of the eight-month arrears may have temporarily taken the pressure off the Federal Government, but the remaining unpaid entitlements mean that the broader question of labour agreements in Nigeria’s universities is far from settled.
For workers, university managements and students alike, the hope is that the latest intervention will mark not another temporary reprieve, but a sustained commitment to resolving outstanding agreements and preventing recurrent disputes from disrupting the academic calendar.
