In a powerful communique issued at the close of its 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has delivered a clear ultimatum to the federal government: release all withheld salaries and align salary payments across all educational institutions—or face escalated industrial action.
Held recently at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State, the meeting saw union delegates raise deep concern over two pressing issues—non-payment of salaries held back from 2022 strike participants and ongoing delays in salary disbursements to SSANU members.
Demand for Immediate Salary Release
SSANU’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, opened the NEC session with a stark message: the federal government must promptly release the two months’ worth of salaries held back from non‑teaching staff who took part in the protracted 2022 academic strike.
“Unless our members see their withheld pay deposited immediately, the union will have no option but to activate lawful and decisive action to ensure justice and fairness,” said Ibrahim in the post‑meeting statement, reflecting both urgency and resolve.
Calls for Harmonised and Equitable Pay
Beyond the withheld pay issue, SSANU has taken aim at persistent delays in transferring salaries to its members within federal universities. Members reportedly receive payments weeks behind their counterparts in other federal institutions—a situation SSANU deems discriminatory and unacceptable.
In its communique, SSANU demanded uniform salary disbursement for staff across all federal and state universities, saying:
“This discriminatory practice is both unjust and unacceptable.”
Such inequitable timing erodes morale, generates mistrust, and disrupts industrial harmony—SSANU warns.
Dispute Over ₦50 Billion Earned Allowance
Another point of contention is the uneven allocation of a ₦50 billion “Earned Allowance” fund. SSANU, along with NASU and NAAT, received only ₦10 billion—just 20 percent of the total. The union described this split as unfair and a violation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2022.
Ibrahim highlighted that
“This allocation is discriminatory and fails to recognise the critical contributions of our members.”
Asserting that this inequity breaches agreed contracts, SSANU called for full redress in accordance with the spirit and letter of the MoU.
Stalled Renegotiation of 2009 Agreement
SSANU also lamented the prolonged delay in revisiting the 2009 Federal Government/SSANU agreement. The union strongly criticised the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee, noting:
“The prolonged delay in commencing substantive discussions is unacceptable,”
Without resolution, SSANU warns, unresolved issues risk triggering further unrest within the university sector.
National Security and Economic Grievances
Expanding its concerns beyond staff remuneration, SSANU expressed alarm over Nigeria’s security situation. With episodes of mass killings in Benue and Plateau states, the union urged the government to declare a state of emergency on security, invest in modern surveillance infrastructure, professionalise security agencies, and address root causes like poverty and youth unemployment.
On the economic front, SSANU criticised recent reforms— including fuel subsidy removal and currency unification— saying they’ve pushed inflation and living costs to unbearable levels for workers. The union has proposed the following to cushion the impact:
- Food subsidies
- Fuel vouchers
- Conditional cash transfer programmes
- Other targeted social safety nets.
They argue these would help ease pressure on low‑ and middle‑income earners.
Escalation: Threat of Industrial Action
SSANU’s lethality lies not just in rhetoric—it’s ready to act. The union warned that should the federal government continue to ignore or delay addressing these demands—release of withheld wages, equitable pay schedules, fair allowance distribution, and renegotiation of agreements—it will explore all lawful options, including strikes and legal recourse, to secure its members’ welfare.
Why It Matters
- Educational Stability at Stake – A breakdown in university staff morale and compensation could undermine academic progression and results nationwide.
- National Security and Social Equity – These aren’t merely labour demands—they speak to broader issues affecting millions across Nigeria.
- Precedent for Industrial Relations – SSANU’s posture may serve as a benchmark for future union‑government negotiations in other sectors.
Looking Ahead
SSANU has set clear benchmarks:
- Immediate payment of the two months’ withheld salaries
- Clear timetable for synchronised pay across institutions
- Allocation redesign for the Earned Allowance
- Swift renegotiation of 2009 agreements
- Proactive security and economic interventions
Government response—or lack thereof—will determine whether SSANU retreats or escalates. With a structured approach to industrial activism, the union prepares for both engagement and confrontation.
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