Nigerian university staff under the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have raised the alarm over persistent salary delays, threatening industrial action if the federal government fails to resolve the issue promptly.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation and dated May 7, 2025, the union expressed frustration over the late disbursement of salaries since the transition to the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System (GIFMIS).
Titled “Concern over the consistent delay in the payment of monthly salaries of university workers,” the letter, obtained by Daily Trust, was also copied to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Speaking to journalists, SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim accused the government of violating a 2022 agreement that ensured workers would not face victimization after exiting the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
“The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) writes to express our deep concerns over the consistent delay in the payment of monthly salaries of university workers, particularly since our exit from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS),” the letter stated.
“It is regrettable that, since our exit from IPPIS, the salaries of our members are often paid two weeks after salaries have been disbursed to other federal workers. This pattern has continued unabated and has become a source of anxiety and resentment among our members. We view this delay not only as an administrative lapse but as a clear act of discrimination against our members.”
The union warned that the situation threatens the fragile peace in universities and demanded immediate action to align salary payments with the federal schedule.
“Any further delay will be interpreted as deliberate and may compel the union to take necessary steps to protect the rights and dignity of its members,” the letter added.
SSANU urged swift intervention to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
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