The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to pay outstanding salary arrears owed its members.
The union warned that failure to settle the arrears could trigger an indefinite strike across Nigerian universities.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, announced the ultimatum in a communique issued in Abuja.
The statement followed the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
SSANU gives FG 14-day ultimatum
SSANU said the Federal Government must immediately pay arrears linked to the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU CONTTA salary structure.
The union said the salary structure took effect from January 1, 2026.
Ibrahim said members are still waiting for payments due under the new arrangement.
He warned that the union would begin an indefinite strike if the government fails to meet its demands within 14 days.
The union said it would take the action without further notice.
Salary arrears include withheld payments
SSANU also demanded payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action.
The union is also seeking one-year arrears linked to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
Ibrahim described the outstanding payments as legitimate entitlements owed to affected workers.
He said continued delays had increased the financial pressure on union members.
According to him, some universities have already implemented the new salary structure using internally generated funds.
However, he said those institutions did so without direct financial support from the Federal Government.
SSANU urged Vice-Chancellors and Governing Councils of universities yet to implement the agreement to follow their example.
SSANU raises concerns over university funding
Beyond the salary dispute, the union called for increased funding for public universities.
It demanded more investment in electricity, laboratories, workshops and libraries.
The union also highlighted the need for better ICT facilities, security systems and infrastructure maintenance.
SSANU rejected virtual accreditation as a replacement for physical verification of university facilities.
The union also opposed any plan to concession or privatise King’s College, Lagos, or other public educational institutions.
It urged the government to preserve public ownership and ensure continued access to public education.
Union raises alarm over insecurity and rising costs
Ibrahim also expressed concern over insecurity, rising living costs and food insecurity.
He called for stronger protection for farming communities and educational institutions.
The SSANU president also urged the government to introduce measures that would protect workers’ incomes.
With the 14-day deadline now issued, attention is on the Federal Government’s response to the union’s demands.
Failure to resolve the salary arrears dispute could lead to another major disruption in Nigeria’s university system.
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