The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, less than two days after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum threatening indefinite industrial action.

SSANU confirmed the release on Wednesday, October 7, describing the development as a positive response to its concerns over the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government/SSANU Agreement.

The union had issued the ultimatum after its 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from September 30 to October 1, 2026.

At the meeting, SSANU demanded the immediate release and payment of outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure, CONTTA, which took effect from January 1, 2026.

The union warned that failure to address its demands within 14 days could lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike across Nigerian universities.

Following the government’s release of the eight months’ arrears, SSANU National President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, praised the intervention and credited Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, with helping to facilitate the payment.

Ibrahim said the development demonstrated that constructive engagement between government and university-based unions could produce concrete results when followed by timely action.

He also urged SSANU members to work with the management of their respective universities to ensure the money is paid correctly and without unnecessary delay. Members were asked to report any discrepancies or shortfalls to the union.

SSANU had previously raised concerns that implementation of the 2026 agreement remained uneven, with some universities making progress while others continued to face funding and administrative challenges. The union has repeatedly called for the agreement to be implemented fully and without discrimination.

However, the latest payment does not bring the dispute to a complete end.

SSANU said the government still needs to address the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as arrears connected to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

The union considers those payments legitimate entitlements and has maintained that further delays could undermine industrial harmony within the university system.

The 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement, which was formally signed in June, provides for a 35 per cent salary review through CONTTA, alongside other provisions covering staff welfare, career progression and working conditions. SSANU has continued to press for full implementation of the agreement across federal and state-owned universities.

SSANU has also called on state governments and governing councils of state universities to ensure that the agreement is implemented fully and equitably in their institutions.

While welcoming the release of the eight months’ arrears, the union said it would continue to engage the government through dialogue but would also use lawful means to defend the welfare and rights of its members if outstanding commitments remain unresolved.

The immediate payment is expected to ease pressure on the Federal Government and reduce the likelihood of another disruption to university activities, although SSANU’s remaining demands could keep the issue on the agenda in the weeks ahead.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia