The Obong of Calabar and Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Edidem Okon Abasi Otu V, has called on the Federal Government to fast-track negotiations with non-academic university unions to sustain industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
The monarch made the call during FUNAAB’s convocation ceremony at the weekend, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olushola Babatunde Kehinde.
He warned that delays in concluding talks with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) could threaten the relative peace universities have enjoyed under the current administration.
The Chancellor commended the Federal Government for the recent breakthrough with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the agreement signed last month as “heartwarming and commendable.”
According to him, the deal, which focuses on improved funding and welfare packages, has raised hopes for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s higher education sector.
However, he noted that non-academic unions have continued to wait for similar relief, having embarked on indefinite strikes in 2022 over withheld salaries linked to the 2009 agreement and earned allowances estimated at over ₦1.5 trillion nationwide.
He recalled that although partial payments in 2023 temporarily eased tensions, fresh agitations resurfaced in 2025 due to rising inflation and the non-payment of four months’ salaries arising from another strike.
Edidem Otu V said while negotiations with the unions resumed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, progress has been slow, prompting renewed threats of industrial action.
“I urge the Federal Government to go a step further by expediting action on the ongoing negotiations with SSANU, NASU and NAAT,” he said.
“This will ensure that the industrial harmony which our universities have been enjoying since the inception of the current administration is not negatively affected.”
The Chancellor described FUNAAB as a centre of agricultural innovation since its establishment in 1988, noting that the institution has continued to thrive amid industrial stability.
He praised the university’s academic standards, leadership and community engagement, saying these deliberate efforts have positioned FUNAAB among leading universities both nationally and globally.
Edidem Otu V also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to the advancement of education and the development of FUNAAB.
Addressing the graduating students, the monarch congratulated them on completing what he described as a demanding academic journey marked by discipline, sacrifice and perseverance.
“You must see yourselves as privileged to be counted worthy to reach this milestone. Rejoice, for today is your day,” he said.
