SSANU threatens renewed strike over unpaid salaries

SSANU threatens renewed strike over unpaid salaries

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to release the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld from its members who took part in the 2022 strike.

The union also expressed concern over the persistent delay in salary payments to staff of federal universities, who often receive their wages weeks after other federal employees.

These matters were among the key issues discussed during SSANU’s 51st National Executive Council meeting, held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.

In a communique issued at the end of its NEC meeting and signed by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union demanded the immediate harmonisation of salary disbursements across all federal and state institutions to ensure fairness and equity.

SSANU also expressed disappointment over the continued silence and inaction of the federal government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement.

It said the prolonged delay in commencing substantive discussions was unacceptable, demanding 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.

The union decried the “inequitable and negligible” allocation of the ₦50bn Earned Allowance, where only 20 per cent, which amounted to ₦10bn, was allocated to the members of the three non-teaching unions comprising SSANU; Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and National Association of Academic Technologists.

“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 of NASU and SSANU in August 2022.

“NEC calls for a redress of this injustice meted out to our members in the Universities and inter-university centres,” the communique read.

The union also berated what it described as a persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda of Action, and other duly negotiated, collectively bargained agreements entered into with the government.

“SSANU reminds the federal government 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,” the union said.

Furthermore, SSANU lamented the state of insecurity across the country, particularly the recent mass killings in Benue, Plateau, and other states.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security. It called for substantial investment in modern security infrastructure and a comprehensive overhaul of the security framework, with a focus on intelligence gathering and the professionalisation of security agencies.

The union also emphasized the need to address the root causes of insecurity—such as poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice—through targeted development and empowerment programmes.

On the economy, SSANU noted that while the Federal Government’s recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and currency unification, aim to stabilise the economy, they have instead exacerbated the cost of living for Nigerians. The union highlighted inflation, soaring food prices, and reduced purchasing power as factors placing immense pressure on workers and vulnerable citizens.

In response, SSANU called for the urgent implementation of social protection measures, including food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers, to cushion the impact on low-income earners.

“NEC urges the Federal Government to show genuine commitment and responsiveness in addressing our demands,” the communique stated, reaffirming SSANU’s dedication to promoting equity, professionalism, and good governance in the Nigerian university system and across the nation.

The union reiterated its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and dignity of its members nationwide.