The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), averting an imminent strike by the university workers’ union.
SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, October 7, following the union’s 14-day ultimatum demanding payment of outstanding arrears under the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement. The union had threatened a total and indefinite strike if its demands were not met within the deadline.
Ibrahim commended the Federal Government and Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for their intervention, saying the release demonstrated that constructive engagement and prompt action could promote industrial harmony and protect workers’ welfare. He urged members to work with their university managements to ensure the funds are paid promptly and report any shortfalls or irregularities to the union.
The SSANU president, however, said the government still owed members two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. He also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to fully implement agreements reached with university-based unions, warning that delayed or selective implementation could create fresh tensions.
Leave a comment