FG pays 8 months salary arrears to SSANU after strike threat

The Federal Government has released eight months of withheld salary arrears owed to university non-teaching staff, averting an indefinite nationwide strike across public universities.

The payout follows a 14-day strike ultimatum issued by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) during its 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo.

SSANU had warned that its members would shut down university campuses nationwide if the government failed to implement the 2026 FGN/SSANU agreement and pay outstanding salary arrears.

Less than 48 hours after the union made its declaration, the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation processed and released the funds after interventions by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa.

SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim confirmed the disbursement and directed branch executives across state and federal universities to confirm the payments with their campus management. He commended the Education Minister for fulfilling his pledge to expedite the funds.

SSANU emphasized that the Federal Government must still settle two remaining months of withheld salaries from the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears from the 25% and 35% wage increases.