The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over the non-payment of February 2026 salaries. The union criticized the government for subjecting workers to hardship during sacred religious periods. Consequently, it threatened a potential shutdown of universities if the situation is not urgently resolved .
Hardship Deepens as Salaries Remain Unpaid
SSANU declared that the delayed payments have placed enormous financial pressure on its members. Many of these workers are currently observing the Ramadan or Lenten fasting periods. The union’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the development as deeply troubling .
“This unfortunate situation has created significant financial strain for our members and their families,” Ibrahim stated . He added that “Beyond the personal hardship it imposes, the delay in salary payment is steadily eroding confidence in the system, lowering staff morale, and inevitably affecting productivity and overall institutional performance within our universities” . The union stressed that staff deserve timely remuneration for their services .
Union Blames Policy Inconsistency for Payment Chaos
SSANU attributed the delay to what it termed the government’s inconsistent policy direction. It pointed to the frequent shifting of salary payment channels in recent months as the root cause of the disruption.
“Investigations conducted reveal that the inconsistent approach in handling payment of Universities staff salaries which involved jumping from GIFMIS to REMITA and back in the last few months have clearly shown the government’s inconsistency in policy direction,” the statement revealed . To prevent future recurrences, the union officially recommended that the Federal Government adopt the “Remita platform for salary payments to university staff,” describing it as more “seamless and reliable” .
Stalled Talks and Ministerial Silence Draw Criticism
Beyond the immediate salary issue, SSANU expressed deep concern over the sluggish pace of renegotiations with the government. It faulted recent claims by the Minister of Education that industrial harmony had been achieved.
While acknowledging the efforts of the FG renegotiation committee chairman, the union insisted the process has yet to produce a satisfactory outcome. According to the statement, “While we recognise and appreciate the contributions of stakeholders working towards a resolution, SSANU believes that the Ministry of Education must demonstrate stronger commitment, urgency, and leadership to ensure that the renegotiation process reaches a logical and mutually acceptable conclusion” .
The union specifically criticized the Minister’s communication strategy, stating that “for us at this point, the silence of the Minister of Education is no longer golden and it doesn’t portray camaraderie” .
Threat of Shutdown Looms
SSANU issued a clear ultimatum demanding immediate action. It called for the prompt payment of February salaries, an acceleration of the stalled renegotiation process, and accurate public information regarding the talks .
The union warned that failure to meet these demands would have severe consequences. “Anything short of the above will clearly invite our unions to seek redress in every legal means possible, including but not limited to withdrawal of our services and picketing of government offices concerned,” the statement read .
Despite the threat, SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue. It stated its desire to sustain industrial harmony and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s university system .