35% salary review: SSANU vows to pursue entitlements

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has vowed to pursue the full implementation of its 2026 agreement with the Federal Government, including the payment of all outstanding entitlements to its members.

The National President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, gave the assurance while addressing the association’s 2026 National Women Conference in Abuja.

Ibrahim said the agreement, signed in June, provided for a 35 per cent salary review through CONTTA, improved allowances and better conditions of service, with effect from January 1, 2026.

He, however, noted that securing the agreement was only part of the struggle, stressing that the union remained committed to ensuring that all its provisions were fully implemented.

According to him, delays in the payment of arrears prompted the union’s National Executive Council to issue a 14-day ultimatum, which contributed to the Federal Government’s release of funds for eight months of CONTTA arrears on October 7, 2026.

The SSANU president described the agreement as a product of years of persistent negotiations, sacrifices, strategic engagements and solidarity among members of the union.

He commended members, particularly women, for their resilience and contributions to the struggle, noting that the achievement demonstrated what organised labour could accomplish through unity, discipline and constructive engagement.

“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.

“This victory belongs to every SSANU member, particularly our courageous women, whose resilience and solidarity contributed immensely to the success of our collective struggle,” Ibrahim said.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Healthy Women, Strong Union: Positioning SSANU Women for Leadership and National Relevance,” he called for greater investment in women’s health, welfare and dignity, as well as increased opportunities for leadership and participation in decision-making.

He said women in the university system should not merely occupy positions but should have the capacity, confidence and influence to shape decisions and contribute meaningfully to the development of their union, universities and the country.

Ibrahim also urged SSANU women to make their voices heard on critical national issues, including education, workers’ rights, gender equity, good governance and national development.

He charged participants to come up with practical resolutions that would advance women’s welfare, strengthen leadership opportunities and deepen their contributions to the union and society.

The SSANU president reaffirmed the commitment of the National Administrative Committee to building an inclusive union where every member, irrespective of gender, would have the opportunity to contribute, lead and excel.

He congratulated the National Women Coordinator and her team for organising the conference and expressed optimism that its deliberations would strengthen the position of women within the association.