SSANU, NASU threaten industrial action over unfair allocation of N50bn FG intervention fund
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
In a joint statement issued over the weekend, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) rejected the distribution formula, which allocated 80 percent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving the remaining 20 percent to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
The document was signed by Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU and Peters Adeyemi General Secretary, NASU, over the weekend.
The unions described the allocation as grossly unfair, provocative, and totally unacceptable, while warning that proceeding with the disbursement in its current form would deepen discontent and could plunge the university system into another round of industrial crisis.
They explained that the struggle is not about union rivalry, but about fairness and recognition of all staff who contribute to the functionality and development of Nigeria’s universities.
The unions noted that non-teaching staff play essential roles in ensuring administrative efficiency, research support, technical operations, and overall stability of the university system.
They called on the Federal Government to immediately review and reverse the allocation formula to avert looming unrest in universities across the country.
“We strongly urge the Federal Government to immediately review and reverse the recommended allocation formula, as going ahead with this unfair distribution will only breed avoidable resentment and trigger widespread industrial disharmony, something the University system can ill afford at this critical time.
“SSANU and NASU stand 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 said.
