The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) made it clear recently that they do not accept the Federal Government’s proposal to compensate its members with only half of the salaries that were withheld for the past four months. Tahir Mamman, the Education Minister, announced on April 10, 2024, that half of the salaries that were being withheld from SSANU and NASU members would be released once President Bola Tinubu gives his approval to the proposed payment schedule.
Vice President, SSANU, Abdussobor Salaam, expressed disbelief at the Federal Government’s decision to withhold four months of salaries from members, stating that there is no justification for such action. According to his statement in a recent report, he emphasized the lack of grounds for the government’s initial withholding of pay. His statement emphasized that receiving their full salaries was not about token gestures or generosity, but rather a non-negotiable right they were entitled to. They are bent on not accepting anything less than the full amount owed to them for that time period.
This demonstrates a lack of sensitivity towards the issue on their part.
It is concerning to Salaam that the Federal Government is not taking a proactive approach to addressing important issues like this, instead treating them lightly. In November, the association initially met with the minister of education regarding this matter. Another meeting took place with the minister during their warning strike about a month ago. It is troubling to see that they continue to insist on approval for the payment, maintaining the same stance since November, salaam stated. This demonstrates a lack of sensitivity towards the issue on their part.
In the year 2022, the association took a stand and initiated a strike after carefully following all protocols. The responsibility for the strike does not lie with them, but with the Federal Government. Had the government acted appropriately, there would have been no need for a strike in 2022. It is unjust to penalize individuals who had no choice but to strike because of the negligence of their employers. After meticulously adhering to the proper procedures outlined in the Labour Laws, they initiated a strike. The strike was concluded through negotiations with the Federal Government, which resulted in an agreement being reached.
Receiving half salaries is not an option they are willing to consider.
More so, this agreement contained a vital non-victimization provision ensuring that no member of the unions (SSANU and NASU) would face any form of discrimination or loss of rights due to their participation in the strike. With that agreement in place, there is absolutely no reason why their salaries should not have been disbursed. He stated that the unions were completely justified in requesting the release of the four months’ worth of salaries that have been withheld.
He emphasized that receiving only half salaries was not an option they were willing to consider. Salaam advised that the minister should take immediate and effective action rather than being unaware and idle. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is committed to promoting unity, harmony, and progress within its ranks. Under the guidance of God, it is united to protect and defend the interests of its members. It prioritizes members’ welfare through respectful communication and adherence to Trade Union principles when addressing shared concerns.
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Additionally, it is focused on establishing a unified trade union to represent and support all experienced non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities and inter-University centres who choose to join. Establishing guidelines for the interactions among senior non-teaching staff members as well as between the employers and Union members. Advocating for fair and just working hours, adequate pay, and favourable working conditions to be upheld and ensured within the workplace. Creating and upholding a superior level of ethical conduct, self-control, and professionalism. Working towards advancing union members through training and retraining is its objective. The Constitution specifies conditions under which Union members can receive benefits and assistance, including financial support.
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