The National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is currently representing the Union and the interests of university workers at the ongoing 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference, organised by the International Labour Organization, brings together government representatives, employers, workers’ organisations, labour leaders, policymakers and development partners from across the world to deliberate on critical issues affecting the global world of work, including social justice, workers’ rights, decent employment, social protection, labour standards and sustainable economic development.
SSANU’s participation at this prestigious global gathering underscores the Union’s unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare of its members, strengthening labour advocacy, and positioning Nigerian university workers within the broader international labour movement.
The National President’s engagement at the conference is also aimed at enhancing SSANU’s visibility in global labour discussions while ensuring that the challenges and aspirations of Nigerian university workers are adequately represented in international policy conversations shaping the future of work.
As part of his engagements at the conference, the SSANU National President held fruitful interactions with key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta, and the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Isa Aremu. Discussions during the engagements focused on labour relations, wage administration, capacity building, social dialogue, and strategies for improving workers’ welfare in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly within the university system.
The meetings also provided opportunities for deeper engagement on strengthening institutional frameworks for labour management, improving policy coordination, and enhancing cooperation between government institutions and labour unions to promote industrial harmony.
Why the Conference Matters to SSANU
Attendance at the International Labour Conference is highly strategic for SSANU for several reasons:
1. Global Representation: It provides SSANU with a platform to project the concerns, aspirations and contributions of Nigerian university workers before the international labour community.
2. Policy Influence: Participation enables the Union to gain firsthand insight into emerging global labour policies, conventions and recommendations that shape the future of work.
3. Networking and Partnerships: The conference offers opportunities to build alliances with labour unions, workers’ organisations and institutions from different countries, fostering knowledge exchange and international cooperation.
4. Capacity Development: Exposure to global best practices in labour administration, collective bargaining, social protection and workers’ rights strengthens the Union’s ability to advocate effectively for its members.
5. Strengthening Social Dialogue: Engagement with government officials, labour experts and international stakeholders enhances SSANU’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to labour reforms and policy development in Nigeria.
