The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over its continued neglect of agreements signed with the union, vowing to “explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance” if the government fails to act.
This position was contained in a communiqué released at the end of SSANU’s 51st Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State. The communiqué was signed by the SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim.
FG Accused of Breaching MoUs and MoAs
The union expressed outrage at what it described as the government’s persistent failure to honour collective bargaining agreements.
“NEC expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of Action (MoAs), and other duly negotiated collective bargained agreements entered into with SSANU,” the communiqué read.
“The Union reiterates that such agreements, having been reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent are binding and must be honoured in full. NEC warns that if this pattern of neglect continues, the Union will be left with no choice but to explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.”
SSANU Demands Release of Withheld Salaries
The union also condemned the non-payment of salaries withheld since 2022 during the industrial action.
“NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two (2) months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the University system,” the communiqué stated.
SSANU further criticised the recurring delays in salary payments across federal institutions.
“Similarly, NEC also decries the persistent delay in salary payments to Federal Universities, often weeks after other Federal workers have been paid. This discriminatory practice is both unjust and unacceptable.
“The Union demands the immediate harmonization of salary disbursements across all Federal and State institutions to ensure fairness and equity.”
₦50 Billion Allocation: ‘Discriminatory and Unjust’
Reacting to the recent ₦50 billion released by the Federal Government for earned allowances, SSANU said the allocation to non-teaching staff was grossly unfair.
“This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities. It is also in breach of the MoU signed with the joint action committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022,” the communiqué said.
It added that inter-university centres were also unfairly excluded:
“NEC calls for a redress of this injustice meted to our members in the Universities and inter Universities centres.”
Stalled 2009 Agreement Talks and Security Concerns
On the long-delayed renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU agreement, the union expressed frustration:
“SSANU therefore demands the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of the renegotiation process to address the long-standing concerns of its members to avert an industrial crisis in the university system.”
Addressing national security, SSANU called for emergency measures:
“NEC further urges the Government to address the root causes of violence particularly poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice through targeted development and empowerment initiatives.”
Cost of Living and Environmental Crisis
The union also highlighted the growing hardship from economic reforms.
“NEC also observe that inflation; rising food prices and declining purchasing power have placed unbearable pressure on workers and the vulnerable. NEC therefore calls on the Federal Government to urgently implement targeted social protection measures, including food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers, to cushion the impact on citizens, particularly low-income earners.”
On climate and flooding, the communiqué added:
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national disaster response framework in line with global climatic changes, and proactively engage relevant environmental and emergency management agencies to mitigate future occurrences and safeguard vulnerable communities.”
SSANU Reaffirms Its Resolve
In its closing note, the union reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of its members.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our demands as SSANU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the broader national landscape.
“The Union remains resolute in its duty to protect the welfare, rights, and dignity of its members across the country.”
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