SSANU Demands Release of Withheld Salaries, Decries Neglect in Federal University Funding

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a firm call to the Federal Government for the immediate release of the remaining two months’ withheld salaries of its members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. This demand was one of the focal points of the union’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.

In a statement signed by SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union lamented persistent delays in salary disbursement to federal universities, often arriving weeks after payments are made to other federal workers. According to the union, this irregularity has become intolerable and must be addressed with urgency.

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SSANU Demands Salary Harmonisation Across Institutions

SSANU’s NEC strongly advocated for the harmonisation of salary payments across all federal and state tertiary institutions. The union emphasized that fairness and equity should underpin the salary disbursement process, warning that the continuous neglect of university staff in the salary cycle sends a dangerous message about their value.

“Universities should not be left behind in the salary cycle. The persistent delay in payment has become intolerable,” the statement declared.

The union also expressed deep frustration over the Federal Government’s prolonged silence regarding the renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, which has remained unresolved for over a decade. SSANU described the situation as unacceptable and warned that continued delay could provoke industrial unrest in the nation’s already fragile higher education sector.

Non-Teaching Staff Shortchanged in Earned Allowance Distribution

Another major grievance aired by SSANU was the recent disbursement of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowance by the Federal Government. Of this sum, only ₦10 billion—just 20%—was allocated to non-teaching unions, namely SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

Describing the allocation as “unjust and discriminatory,” the union stated that the formula not only breached the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU but also failed to reflect the critical contributions of non-academic staff to the functionality of Nigeria’s universities.

“This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities,” the communique stated.

The union further criticized the government’s recurrent failure to uphold agreements, MoUs, and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), stating that SSANU will no longer tolerate repeated violations of collectively bargained terms. The NEC warned that it would explore all lawful and appropriate measures to ensure compliance with signed agreements.

Rising Insecurity and Economic Hardship Add to Union’s Concerns

Beyond the university system, SSANU raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, especially in states like Benue and Plateau, where reports of mass killings continue to emerge. The union called for the declaration of a national emergency on security and demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.

It urged the Federal Government to prioritize intelligence gathering, retraining of security personnel, and community engagement to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, unemployment, and social injustice.

On the economic front, SSANU criticized the negative fallout of recent policy reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. While acknowledging the intent behind these reforms, the union noted that they have exacerbated hardship for ordinary Nigerians, especially workers and low-income earners.

“Workers and vulnerable citizens are under unconscionable strain due to inflation, rising food prices, and declining purchasing power,” the union lamented.

Call for Social Protection and Renewed Government Engagement

To cushion the effects of economic hardship, SSANU recommended targeted interventions including conditional cash transfers, food subsidies, and fuel vouchers for the poor. The union emphasized that these social safety nets are essential for maintaining peace and stability in a time of economic turbulence.

“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our demands,” the communique stressed.

Reaffirming its dedication to professionalism, equity, and good governance, SSANU vowed to continue advocating for the rights, dignity, and welfare of its members. The union also maintained that it would not hesitate to activate necessary actions if the government fails to respond appropriately.

As tensions continue to simmer in the Nigerian tertiary education sector, SSANU’s firm stance may set the tone for renewed labor activism unless swift, inclusive, and just interventions are implemented by the authorities.