SSANU halts two-week strike ultimatum after FG’s intervention

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government following the release of eight months’ arrears under its agreement with the government.

The association said the decision came after the Federal Government approved and released the outstanding payments on October 7, 2026.

SSANU National President, Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim, announced the suspension in a statement, explaining that the government’s action prompted

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government following the release of eight months’ arrears under its agreement with the government.

The association said the decision came after the Federal Government approved and released the outstanding payments on October 7, 2026.

SSANU National President, Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim, announced the suspension in a statement, explaining that the government’s action prompted the union to put its planned industrial action on hold.

The union had earlier issued the two-week ultimatum over the funding required to implement the 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/SSANU Agreement.

At its 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Uyo, SSANU resolved to give the government two weeks to release the necessary funds.

The association had warned that failure to meet its demand within the stipulated period would lead to a total and indefinite strike across Nigerian universities.

The Federal Government promptly responded, within two days of the issuance of the ultimatum, by releasing funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears (January to August 2026).
Consequently, arising from its National Administrative Committee (NAC) meeting, SSANU has withdrawn the ultimatum.

In a statement titled, “Notification of the Suspension of the Two-Week Ultimatum Issued to the Federal Government,” the association stated that the decision reflected its commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the government.

The statement read: “Following the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which commenced on October 5, 2026, and the subsequent approval and release of eight months’ arrears by the Federal Government on October 7, 2026, the National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), wishes to formally inform and notify members of SSANU and the general public of its decision to suspend the ultimatum.

“At its meeting, the NAC took cognisance of the Federal Government’s prompt release of funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears of CONTTA owed to SSANU members for the period of January to August 2026.

“In recognition of this positive development, mutual understanding and good faith, the NAC, on behalf of the NEC, has resolved to suspend the intended industrial action.

“This decision reflects the union’s commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the government, particularly in the interest of sustaining industrial harmony in our citadels of learning.

“While acknowledging this development, the union urges the Federal Government to reciprocate this gesture by fulfilling all other outstanding demands, which include the release and payment of the one-year arrears of the 25% and 35% salary award of 2023 and the two months’ 2022 withheld salaries.

“It also urges state governments that are yet to implement the 2026 signed agreement to pay other outstanding arrears to our members in state universities.

“The union remains committed to dialogue but expects the government to demonstrate the same level of goodwill by taking concrete steps towards resolving all outstanding issues affecting our members across federal and state universities.

“All NEC members are hereby notified of this decision and are encouraged to communicate the position of the NAC accordingly. We must continue to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders to preserve the peace in our citadels of learning, while remaining steadfast in the pursuit of the welfare and legitimate interests of our members.

“Thank you for your continued commitment and solidarity.”

the union to put its planned industrial action on hold.

The union had earlier issued the two-week ultimatum over the funding required to implement the 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/SSANU Agreement.

At its 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Uyo, SSANU resolved to give the government two weeks to release the necessary funds.

The association had warned that failure to meet its demand within the stipulated period would lead to a total and indefinite strike across Nigerian universities.

The Federal Government promptly responded, within two days of the issuance of the ultimatum, by releasing funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears (January to August 2026).

Consequently, arising from its National Administrative Committee (NAC) meeting, SSANU has withdrawn the ultimatum.

In a statement titled, “Notification of the Suspension of the Two-Week Ultimatum Issued to the Federal Government,” the association stated that the decision reflected its commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the government.

The statement read: “Following the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which commenced on October 5, 2026, and the subsequent approval and release of eight months’ arrears by the Federal Government on October 7, 2026, the National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), wishes to formally inform and notify members of SSANU and the general public of its decision to suspend the ultimatum.

“At its meeting, the NAC took cognisance of the Federal Government’s prompt release of funds for the payment of eight months’ arrears of CONTTA owed to SSANU members for the period of January to August 2026.

“In recognition of this positive development, mutual understanding and good faith, the NAC, on behalf of the NEC, has resolved to suspend the intended industrial action.

“This decision reflects the union’s commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the government, particularly in the interest of sustaining industrial harmony in our citadels of learning.

“While acknowledging this development, the union urges the Federal Government to reciprocate this gesture by fulfilling all other outstanding demands, which include the release and payment of the one-year arrears of the 25% and 35% salary award of 2023 and the two months’ 2022 withheld salaries.

“It also urges state governments that are yet to implement the 2026 signed agreement to pay other outstanding arrears to our members in state universities.

“The union remains committed to dialogue but expects the government to demonstrate the same level of goodwill by taking concrete steps towards resolving all outstanding issues affecting our members across federal and state universities.

“All NEC members are hereby notified of this decision and are encouraged to communicate the position of the NAC accordingly. We must continue to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders to preserve the peace in our citadels of learning, while remaining steadfast in the pursuit of the welfare and legitimate interests of our members.

“Thank you for your continued commitment and solidarity.”

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