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The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have issued a threat to disrupt activities on campuses nationwide starting Thursday unless the federal government settles the salary arrears owed to their members.
SSANU made this declaration in a communique issued at the conclusion of its 48th regular National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Benin.
The communique, signed by SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, highlighted the union’s frustration with the government’s handling of the issue despite assurances from the Ministers of Education and Labour, as well as the House of Representatives.
“We are disappointed by the government’s continued evasion and preferential treatment of certain unions over others,” SSANU stated. “Despite our adherence to all protocols during previous strikes, the government has selectively paid salary arrears, neglecting SSANU and NASU. Consequently, if the government fails to settle the four months’ salary arrears by Thursday, July 4, 2024, we will embark on a comprehensive industrial action.”
In addition to the salary arrears, SSANU urged the federal government to resume payments under the N35,000 wage award and encouraged states yet to implement the award to do so promptly, along with the accumulated arrears.
Regarding ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage, SSANU called on the federal government to expedite the process in accordance with labour demands, emphasizing the urgency of finalizing negotiations to be implemented nationwide.
The union also criticized the Southern Governors Forum’s proposal to negotiate the National Minimum Wage (NMW) independently, asserting that such matters fall within the federal government’s jurisdiction under the Exclusive Legislative List.
Furthermore, SSANU urged the federal government to promptly reconstitute a new committee for renegotiating the SSANU/FGN 2009 Agreement, emphasizing the importance of continuing negotiations without delay.
While commending the federal government’s efforts to reconstitute Governing Councils of federal universities, SSANU expressed concern over the non-appointment of educationists and experienced technocrats to these councils, which they believe would contribute more effectively to the development of higher education institutions.
The union concluded by reaffirming its commitment to addressing these critical issues affecting university staff and operations, urging the government to act swiftly to avoid further disruptions in the education sector.
