2026 AGREEMENT: SSANU INSISTS ON FULL IMPLEMENTATION, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WORKERS' WELFARE

The National President of the Association, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, gave this assurance during the 2026 SSANU National Women Conference held in Abuja, where he reflected on the union's achievements, the challenges of implementation and the importance of sustaining collective efforts towards protecting the interests of university workers. According to the National President, the signing of the agreement in June 2026 represented a major breakthrough in the union's longstanding pursuit of improved remuneration, career progression and better working conditions for its members. The agreement, which took effect from January 1, 2026, provides for a 35 per cent salary review through the Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA), alongside improvements in allowances and other conditions of service. Comrade Ibrahim noted that the agreement was not achieved without considerable sacrifices, explaining that years of negotiations, sustained engagements and the collective determination of members were instrumental in securing the breakthrough. He acknowledged the progress recorded in implementing the agreement, particularly the Federal Government's release of funds on October 7, 2026, to address eight months of CONTTA arrears covering January to August 2026. The development followed sustained pressure from the union, including a 14-day ultimatum issued by its National Executive Council over delays in implementing agreed obligations. While describing the development as a significant achievement, the SSANU President maintained that the release of funds and commencement of payments should not be interpreted as the conclusion of the implementation process. He emphasised that the union would continue engaging the relevant government authorities to ensure that outstanding entitlements were settled and that all provisions of the agreement were implemented in accordance with the commitments reached. For SSANU, he stressed, the true measure of the agreement's success lies not merely in its signing but in the practical benefits it delivers to members across Nigerian universities. The National President further commended members for their patience, understanding and solidarity throughout the negotiation and implementation processes, noting that unity remained the association's greatest strength in advancing the collective interests of university workers. Beyond the issue of workers' entitlements, Comrade Ibrahim used the occasion to underscore the importance of women's health, welfare and leadership development within the union and the wider university system. Speaking on the conference theme, "Healthy Women, Strong Union: Positioning SSANU Women for Leadership and National Relevance," he emphasised that empowering women was essential to building a stronger, more inclusive and progressive association. He advocated greater attention to women's physical and mental well-being, improved professional opportunities and stronger representation in leadership and decision-making structures. The National President maintained that meaningful participation must extend beyond occupying positions to exercising influence, contributing to policy decisions and shaping the future of the association. In her remarks, the National Women Coordinator, Comrade Ijeoma Kalu, called for sustained efforts to eliminate barriers limiting women's advancement in university administration and union leadership. She emphasised the importance of mentorship, capacity development, equal opportunities and stronger networks of solidarity among women, particularly in preparing younger female professionals for leadership responsibilities. Comrade Kalu also acknowledged the support of the national leadership towards strengthening women's participation in the association and urged participants to translate the lessons and resolutions of the conference into meaningful action. The conference reinforced SSANU's commitment to pursuing improved welfare for its members while building a union in which women are adequately represented, empowered and positioned to contribute effectively to institutional and national development. As the implementation of the 2026 agreement progresses, SSANU's position remains clear: the achievements recorded so far are important milestones, but the ultimate objective is the full realisation of every entitlement and benefit secured for its members.