SSANU, NASU Reject ‘Unjust’ Distribution Of FG’s ₦50bn For University Unions

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have rejected the way the Federal Government plans to share ₦50 billion meant for university unions.

The ₦50 billion was approved to be distributed among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

However, the unions say they were sidelined after it was revealed that 80% of the funds would go to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while only 20% would be left for them to share.

In a statement, SSANU and NASU described the distribution as deeply unfair and warned that such a move could cause more problems in the university system.

“This lopsided arrangement is grossly unfair, provocative, totally unacceptable, and capable of creating industrial disharmony, thereby further accentuating the teaching/non-teaching dichotomy in Nigerian Universities.

“Non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities are not second-class citizens but are critical stakeholders who contribute immensely to the day-to-day functionality, administrative efficiency, research excellence, technical operations, and overall development of the Nigerian University system,” the statement said.

The unions emphasized that this isn’t about competing with ASUU, but about fairness and equal recognition.

SSANU and NASU stressed that all workers in the university system deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

They reminded the government that non-academic staff have always been essential to the smooth running of universities and deserve better treatment.

The unions lamented that “the latest attempt to diminish our role and worth through this inequitable distribution is an injustice that we will not accept in silence.

“We wish to make it clear that this is not a contest of supremacy among unions. Rather, it is about fairness, recognition, and the equitable treatment of all workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian University system.

“A harmonious and productive academic environment can only be achieved when all stakeholders are treated with respect, dignity, equity, and fairness.

“It is unnecessary to remind the government of the essential and pivotal roles played by non-teaching staff (and which we will continue to play) in stabilizing the Nigerian University system.

“The government and its agencies are fully aware of the invaluable contributions of SSANU and NASU in ensuring the stability, functionality, and excellence of our universities.

“Their decisions should, therefore, reflect this understanding and uphold the principles of equity and justice.”

SSANU and NASU called on the government to review and change the allocation formula immediately, warning that going ahead with the current plan could lead to avoidable unrest in the university sector.

“SSANU, alongside NASU, stands united in demanding justice, fairness, and a recognition of our rightful place in the university community.

“We will not fold our arms while our rights are trampled and our members are treated with disdain.

“The time to correct this injustice is now – a stitch in time saves nine!,” the statement concluded.

KanyiDaily recalls that the NASU and SSANU recently announced a temporary, one-month suspension of their indefinite nationwide strike.