The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to clear outstanding salary arrears owed its members, warning that failure to do so could trigger an indefinite industrial action.

The union’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, announced the ultimatum in a communiqué released on Monday after the association’s 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The meeting focused on workers’ welfare, university funding challenges and the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government/SSANU agreement.

Union demands immediate payment of arrears

SSANU said the Federal Government must immediately settle outstanding payments linked to the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU CONTTA salary structure, which took effect from January 1, 2026.

Ibrahim said the NEC had reached a decision that the arrears should be released without further delay.

“NEC categorically demanded the immediate release and payment of all outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU CONTTA salary structure, calculated from the effective date of Jan. 1, 2026,” he said.

The union warned that if the government fails to respond within the 14-day period, members would embark on an indefinite strike without issuing another notice.

Some universities funding salary adjustments internally

SSANU said some universities had already implemented aspects of the new salary structure using internally generated funds rather than direct financial support from the Federal Government.

The union urged Vice-Chancellors and governing councils of institutions that had not yet implemented the agreement to follow the example of universities that had taken steps towards compliance.

Ibrahim also called on state governments to provide adequate funding to ensure that workers in state-owned universities benefit from the agreement.

Union demands payment of withheld salaries and other arrears

Beyond the CONTTA salary structure, SSANU renewed its demand for the payment of other outstanding entitlements.

The union specifically called for: payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, payment of one-year arrears from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

Ibrahim described the unpaid amounts as legitimate entitlements and said continued delays were worsening the financial difficulties faced by university workers.

SSANU raises concerns over university funding

The union also expressed concern about the state of funding in Nigerian universities.

It called for increased government investment in: electricity supply, laboratories, workshops, libraries, ICT facilities, security systems; and infrastructure maintenance.

SSANU rejected the idea of using virtual accreditation as a replacement for physical inspection of university facilities, arguing that proper assessment requires on-site verification.

Opposition to privatisation of public institutions

The union also criticised any proposal to concession, privatise or transfer the management of King’s College, Lagos, or other public educational institutions to private operators.

SSANU urged the government to preserve public ownership and ensure continued access to public education.

Insecurity and rising living costs highlighted

The association further raised concerns about insecurity, increasing living expenses and food shortages affecting workers and Nigerians generally.

It called for stronger protection of farming communities and educational institutions, as well as policies aimed at safeguarding workers’ incomes.

What the strike threat means

If SSANU proceeds with industrial action after the 14-day deadline, it could affect non-teaching senior staff in Nigerian universities, including administrative, technical and professional staff.

The development comes amid continuing tensions between university workers and government over: salary adjustments, delayed payments, funding challenges, welfare conditions; and implementation of agreements.

The next step will depend on whether the Federal Government engages with the union and addresses the outstanding demands within the specified period.