The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has vowed to continue demanding the full implementation of its 2026 agreement with the Federal Government, insisting that the commencement of salary arrears payments does not settle all outstanding obligations.
The union’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, made this known in Abuja during the association’s 2026 National Women Conference, where he said SSANU would sustain pressure on the government until every provision of the agreement was fulfilled.
The agreement, signed in June 2026, provides for a 35 per cent salary increase under the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA), improved allowances and better conditions of service, with effect from January 1, 2026.
Ibrahim disclosed that the union had issued a 14-day ultimatum through its National Executive Council over delays in payment of the arrears. The action, he said, preceded the Federal Government’s release of funds on October 7 for eight months of outstanding CONTTA payments.
He maintained, however, that the release of funds and commencement of disbursement were only steps towards implementing the agreement and should not be mistaken for its full execution.
“While implementation and disbursement have commenced, we remain committed to ensuring full compliance with every provision of the agreement and settlement of all outstanding entitlements,” he said.
The SSANU leader described the agreement as the product of years of negotiations and sacrifices by members, commending their continued solidarity in the union’s engagements with the government.
Beyond the salary dispute, Ibrahim used the conference to call for stronger attention to the welfare and leadership development of women working in the university system.
With the theme, “Healthy Women, Strong Union: Positioning SSANU Women for Leadership and National Relevance,” the conference focused on improving women’s health, dignity and participation in decision-making.
Ibrahim argued that increasing the number of women in leadership positions would not be enough without ensuring they had the confidence, capacity and influence to contribute to institutional decisions.
National Women Coordinator of SSANU, Ijeoma Kalu, also called for policies and workplace conditions that would give female university workers equal opportunities for career progression and leadership.
She noted that although women contribute significantly to university administration and development, several barriers continue to limit their representation in decision-making positions.
Kalu advocated stronger mentorship structures, professional development programmes and support networks to prepare younger female workers for leadership responsibilities.
She urged participants to turn the discussions and resolutions from the conference into practical measures that would improve women’s welfare and professional advancement within the association and the wider university system.
Kalu also acknowledged the support of the union’s national leadership for women’s participation, expressing optimism that the conference would produce resolutions to strengthen gender inclusion in SSANU.
