By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its two-week strike ultimatum following the Federal Government’s release of funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears owed to its members, but urged the government to settle other outstanding salary claims.
The union said the funds, released on October 7, cover arrears under the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement for the period January to August 2026.
The decision to suspend the ultimatum was taken by SSANU’s National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of its National Executive Council (NEC), following the government’s response to the industrial action threat issued on October 5.
SSANU had, at its 56th NEC meeting at the University of Uyo, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to release funds for implementation of the 2026 agreement would lead to a total and indefinite strike.
However, the government responded within two days by approving and releasing funds for the eight-month arrears, prompting the union to withdraw the ultimatum.
In a statement by its National President, Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim, SSANU said the decision reflected its commitment to dialogue and industrial harmony, while urging the government to reciprocate by addressing other unresolved financial obligations.
“While acknowledging this development, the union urges the Federal Government to reciprocate this gesture by fulfilling all other outstanding demands,” Ibrahim said.
The union specifically demanded payment of the one-year arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary award granted in 2023, as well as two months’ withheld salaries from 2022.
SSANU also called on state governments that had yet to implement the 2026 signed agreement to pay outstanding arrears owed to its members in state universities.
The association said the release of the eight-month arrears was a positive development that demonstrated the value of engagement between government and organised labour.
It, however, stressed that the remaining issues must be addressed to achieve lasting industrial harmony across the university system.
“This decision reflects the union’s commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the government,” the statement said.
SSANU said it expected the Federal Government to demonstrate similar goodwill by taking concrete steps to resolve all outstanding issues affecting its members in federal and state universities.
The union also directed members of its NEC to communicate the decision to the wider membership and continue engaging relevant stakeholders while pursuing the welfare and legitimate interests of university workers.
The suspension of the ultimatum averts an immediate disruption to activities in universities and allows the government to address the outstanding demands before they trigger another round of industrial action.
