- He noted that reviews expected in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 were not carried out
- The union leader warned that members were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the prolonged delay
- he maintained that the association remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the Federal Government to expedite the conclusion of the long-delayed renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with university unions, warning that growing frustration among members could trigger further action
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the appeal was made by SSANU National Vice President and Western Zone Chairman, Dr. Abdussobour Salaam, during the union’s 79th Zonal Executive Council meeting held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
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The meeting brought together delegates from 26 universities across the South-West to discuss issues affecting non-teaching staff, including remuneration, career advancement, conflict resolution, and the unresolved agreement with the government.
Salaam said the renegotiation process, headed by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, had reached an advanced stage but had faced several setbacks along the way.
According to him, the union has remained patient despite years of delays, even though the agreement was originally designed to be reviewed every three years.
He noted that reviews expected in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 were not carried out, leaving many issues unresolved for more than a decade.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s role in sustaining the negotiation process, Salaam expressed concern that certain interests could still hinder its completion and called for swift action to finalise and sign the agreement.
The union leader warned that members were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the prolonged delay and stressed that SSANU’s leadership would determine the next line of action if the process continues to stall.
Despite the growing tension, he maintained that the association remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement, insisting that industrial action would only be considered after all channels of negotiation have been exhausted.
Beyond the agreement, Salaam called on the Federal Government to introduce measures aimed at easing the economic hardship facing Nigerians, citing rising inflation, high transportation costs, and the increasing cost of living.
He also renewed calls for improved career progression opportunities for non-teaching university staff, particularly through broader access to the CONTISS 15 salary grade level.
The SSANU leader argued that many qualified staff members remain stuck on lower grades despite possessing the experience and competence required for advancement.
He commended the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University for implementing policies that allow eligible staff to attain higher career levels, describing the move as a morale booster for workers.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin, praised SSANU for its cooperation and support in maintaining stability within the institution.
The OOU branch chairman of SSANU, Dr. Abiodun Lamina, also highlighted challenges affecting staff welfare, including manpower shortages, transportation costs, staff training needs, and the effective utilisation of intervention funds for non-teaching personnel.
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