The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed deep concern over persistent delays in the payment of salaries in federal universities and called on the Federal Government to immediately release the remaining two months’ withheld salaries of its members who participated in the 2022 strike action.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State on Saturday. The document was signed by SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.
SSANU lamented the irregularity in salary payments to university workers, noting that staff in federal universities often receive their salaries weeks after other federal employees have been paid. The union called for the harmonisation of salary disbursement across all institutions to promote fairness and equity.
In addition, the union condemned the “discriminatory and inequitable” allocation of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowance released by the government, of which only 20 per cent — amounting to ₦10 billion — was allocated to the three non-teaching unions: SSANU, NASU, and 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 Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022,” the communiqué stated.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has also called on the Federal Government to immediately release the two months’ salaries withheld from its members who participated in the 2022 nationwide strike.
The union further criticised the Federal Government for its failure to implement various agreements reached with the union, particularly the renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, describing the delay in the process as unacceptable.
“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 statement added.
On national security, SSANU condemned the worsening insecurity across the country, citing recent mass killings in Benue, Plateau, and other states. It called on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security and invest in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and the professionalisation of security agencies.
The union also expressed concern over the rising cost of living following recent economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and currency unification. SSANU noted that these policies have increased inflation and food prices, while reducing workers’ purchasing power.
To cushion the effects of the economic situation, SSANU urged the government to introduce targeted social protection measures such as food subsidies, fuel vouchers, and conditional cash transfers for vulnerable citizens and low-income earners.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of its members, and urged the government to show sincerity and responsibility in addressing their demands.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate commitment in resolving these pressing issues as SSANU remains resolute in promoting equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the country at large,” the communiqué stated.
