SSANU Demands Payment of Withheld Salaries—Threatens Nationwide Action!
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the federal government to release the last two months of withheld salaries for their members who participated in the 2022 strike.
The union also expressed concern over the ongoing delays in salary distributions to federal universities, which often occur weeks after payments have been made to other federal workers.
These concerns were among the topics addressed during the 51st National Executive Council meeting of SSANU, held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of its NEC meeting and signed by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union called for the immediate standardisation of salary payments across all federal and state institutions to ensure fairness and equity.
SSANU also conveyed its disappointment over the federal government’s Renegotiation Committee’s continued silence and inaction regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement.
It stated that the extended delays in starting substantive discussions are unacceptable, demanding that the renegotiation process resume immediately and reach a timely conclusion to address its members’ longstanding issues and prevent an industrial crisis in the university system.
The union criticized the inequitable and minimal allocation of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowance, noting that only 20 percent, equivalent to ₦10 billion, was designated for the members of the three non-teaching unions, which include SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and the National Association of Academic Technologists.
“This distribution is unfair, discriminatory, and does not recognize the vital role that SSANU members play in the effective operation of Nigerian universities.
” It is also a violation of the MoU established with the joint action committee of NASU and SSANU in August 2022.
“NEC calls for the correction of this injustice inflicted upon our members in the universities and inter-university centres,” the statement indicated.
The union also lamented the ongoing disregard for Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda of Action, and other duly negotiated agreements made with the government.
SSANU reminded the federal government that such agreements, having been achieved through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be fully honored.
“NEC cautions that if this trend of neglect persists, the union will have no option but to pursue all lawful and appropriate measures to enforce compliance,” the union stated.
SSANU further condemned the deteriorating security situation across the nation, particularly the recent mass killings in Benue, Plateau, and other states.
It urged the federal government to declare a national emergency on security matters, which should include investing in modern security infrastructure and re-evaluating the security framework through intelligence collection and the professionalisation of security agencies.
The union also called for addressing the root causes of violence, notably poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice, through targeted development and empowerment initiatives.
Regarding the economic situation, SSANU noted that recent economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency unification implemented by the federal government, while aimed at stabilizing the economy, have considerably exacerbated the cost of living for Nigerians.
It observed that inflation, soaring food prices, and decreasing purchasing power have imposed unbearable burdens on workers and vulnerable populations.
The union consequently urged the federal government to promptly implement targeted social protection measures, including food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers, to alleviate the impact on citizens, especially low-income earners.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to show sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our requests as SSANU reaffirms its steadfast dedication to promoting equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the broader national context.
“The union is steadfast in its commitment to uphold the welfare, rights, and dignity of its members nationwide,” the statement continued.
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