Varsity Workers Vows To Enforce Full Implementation Of 2026 Agreement

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

The union’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, gave the assurance at the 2026 SSANU National Women Conference held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Abuja.

Ibrahim said the agreement, signed on June 29, 2026, provides for a 35 per cent salary review under the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA), improved allowances and better conditions of service, effective January 1, 2026.

He recalled that delays in the payment of arrears prompted SSANU’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.

Although implementation and disbursement have commenced, Ibrahim said the union would continue to press for full compliance with the agreement and payment of all outstanding entitlements.

He attributed the gains to years of negotiations, sacrifices and solidarity among members, particularly women, whose contributions he said were instrumental to the union’s collective struggle.

The conference was themed: “Healthy Women, Strong Union: Positioning SSANU Women for Leadership and National Relevance.”

Ibrahim urged the union to prioritise women’s health, welfare and dignity while expanding opportunities for leadership, mentorship and participation in decision-making.

He said women should not merely occupy leadership positions but also have the capacity, confidence and influence to shape decisions affecting the union, universities and the country.

“Our women must not merely have a seat at the table but must possess the capacity, confidence and influence to shape decisions and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our union, universities and nation,” he said.

He also urged SSANU women to strengthen their participation in national discourse, particularly on education, workers’ rights, gender equity, good governance and national development.

According to him, the gains recorded through collective bargaining should provide a foundation for greater inclusion and stronger participation by women in the affairs of the association.

He called on participants to develop practical resolutions to improve women’s welfare, expand leadership opportunities and strengthen their contributions to the union and society.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the commitment of SSANU’s National Administrative Committee to building an inclusive union where every member, irrespective of gender, could contribute, lead and excel.

He congratulated the National Women Coordinator and her team on organising the conference and expressed hope that its deliberations would produce outcomes capable of strengthening the union.