The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the Federal Government to pay the outstanding two months of withheld salaries owed to its members who participated in the 2022 strike action.
The union also criticized the recurring delays in the payment of salaries to staff in federal universities, noting that salaries are often disbursed weeks after other federal workers have received theirs.
These issues were highlighted at the 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of SSANU, held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, in Kano State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the NEC meeting and signed by SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union demanded the immediate synchronization of salary payments across all federal and state institutions, citing the need to ensure fairness and equity.
The union also voiced frustration over the lack of progress by the government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the long-standing 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.”
SSANU also criticized what it described as the unfair allocation of the ₦50 billion earned allowance, where only ₦10 billion—representing 20 percent—was allocated to the three non-teaching university 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.
“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 communiqué read.
The union further expressed concern over the government’s repeated failure to honour agreements made through formal negotiations.
“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.
On the issue of national security, SSANU lamented the deteriorating situation, pointing to recent mass killings in states like Benue and Plateau.
It urged the federal government to declare a national emergency on security and called for investing in modern security infrastructure and rejigging the security architecture through intelligence gathering and professionalisation of security agencies.
The union also advised the government to tackle the root causes of violence—especially poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice—through targeted development and empowerment initiatives.
Regarding the economic situation, SSANU noted that recent reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and currency unification have worsened the cost of living.
It stated that inflation, rising food prices, and reduced purchasing power have placed unbearable pressure on workers and the vulnerable.
The union urged the government to urgently introduce targeted social protection measures, including food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers to support low-income earners and mitigate economic hardship.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our demands as SSANU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the broader national landscape.
“The union remains resolute in its duty to protect the welfare, rights, and dignity of its members across the country,” the communiqué added.
