SSANU threatens indefinite strike, gives FG 14 days to pay salary arrears

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to pay outstanding salary arrears, warning of an indefinite strike if the demand is not met, Vanguard reports.

SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim announced the ultimatum in a communique issued Monday in Abuja, following the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from September 30 to October 1, where members deliberated on workers’ welfare, university funding and implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement.

Ibrahim said the NEC demanded immediate payment of all arrears arising from the 2026 FGN/SSANU CONTTA salary structure, effective January 1, 2026, noting that some universities had implemented the structure largely through internally sourced funds without direct federal backing.

He urged Vice-Chancellors and Governing Councils yet to comply to emulate institutions that had taken proactive steps.

The union also demanded immediate payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, alongside one-year arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent salary increases, which Ibrahim described as “legitimate entitlements” whose continued delay had worsened members’ financial hardship.

He expressed concern over uneven implementation in state-owned universities and called on state governments to provide adequate funding.

On infrastructure, Ibrahim called for greater investment in electricity, laboratories, libraries, ICT facilities and security systems, while rejecting virtual accreditation as a substitute for physical verification.

He also opposed any move to privatise or transfer management of King’s College, Lagos, or other public institutions, urging government to preserve public ownership.

Ibrahim further raised concerns over insecurity, rising living costs and food insecurity, calling for stronger protection of farming communities, schools and workers’ incomes.