The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to immediately release the remaining two months’ withheld salaries of its members who participated in the 2022 industrial action.
This was among several critical issues raised at the union’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.
In a communiqué signed by SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union also criticised the persistent delay in salary payments to federal universities, which they noted often arrive weeks after other federal employees receive theirs.
The union demanded immediate harmonisation of salary disbursements across all federal and state institutions to promote fairness and equity.
SSANU expressed disappointment at the continued silence of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee on the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement. The union described the prolonged delay in resuming discussions as “unacceptable,” urging the government to begin and conclude renegotiations without further delay to prevent an impending industrial crisis in the university sector.
The union also condemned the “inequitable and negligible” allocation of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowance, of which only 20 percent—₦10 billion—was earmarked for the three non-teaching unions: SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
“This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities,” the communiqué stated, noting that it also violates the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the joint action committee of NASU and SSANU in August 2022.
SSANU further accused the government of persistently disregarding MoUs, MoAs, and other collectively bargained agreements. “Such agreements, having been reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full,” the communiqué added, warning that if neglect continues, the union may explore all lawful means to compel compliance.
On the issue of national security, SSANU condemned the growing insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the recurring mass killings in Benue, Plateau, and other regions. The union urged the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security, modernise the country’s security architecture, and address root causes like poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice through targeted empowerment programmes.
Speaking on the state of the economy, SSANU lamented that recent economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency unification, have worsened the cost of living. The union noted that inflation, soaring food prices, and reduced purchasing power have created unbearable pressure on Nigerian workers and the most vulnerable.
To cushion the effects, the union called on the government to implement social protection measures such as food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers to support low-income earners.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our demands,” the communiqué concluded. “SSANU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the broader national landscape.”
