The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has commended the Federal Government for releasing eight months’ salary arrears owed to its members under the implementation of the 2026 agreement with the union.
The release covers the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) for January to August 2026 and applies to non-academic staff of federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Confirming the payment, SSANU President, Comrade Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, said the development demonstrated that constructive engagement, backed by prompt action, could strengthen industrial harmony and improve workers’ welfare. He commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, for his proactive intervention and commitment to facilitating the release of the funds.
Comrade Ibrahim described the payment as a welcome departure from the delays that had characterised the implementation of negotiated agreements. He urged members to liaise with their respective institutional managements to ensure prompt and accurate payment, while reporting any shortfalls to the union.
Despite the development, the SSANU President called on the Federal Government to settle the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 strike, as well as the arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. He described the payments as legitimate entitlements that should be settled without further delay.
In a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Dr. Alausa said the payment of CONTA reflected the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to workers’ welfare, industrial harmony and the effective delivery of quality education.
He explained that the payment recognised the contributions of non-academic personnel to the stability and efficient functioning of tertiary institutions. He added that it formed part of the administration’s efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns and minimise disruptions in the education sector.
The announcement came two days after the commencement of payments for the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance to academic staff.
The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary institutions and developing the skilled workforce required to drive Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to engage relevant unions, institutional authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and sustain industrial harmony. Dr. Alausa also commended academic and non-academic staff, heads of institutions, unions and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and cooperation with the Federal Government. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to policies that prioritise staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.