A fresh crisis is looming across federal universities as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have rejected the Federal Government’s sharing formula for the recently approved ₦50 billion Earned Allowances.
The funds, meant for all university-based unions, including ASUU, NAAT, SSANU and NASU, have sparked controversy after SSANU and NASU revealed that 80% of the total amount was allocated solely to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving the remaining 20% to be split among the three other unions.
In a joint statement on Sunday, May 18, titled “Unjust distribution of the approved N50 billion for university unions,” the unions expressed outrage over what they described as an unfair, provocative and unacceptable distribution plan.
The statement was signed by the JAC Chairman and SSANU President, Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim, and NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi.
“We have received, with utter disappointment, the information that 80% of the sum has been allocated solely to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while the remaining 20% is expected to be shared among SSANU, NASU and NAAT,” the statement read.
They warned that the lopsided arrangement could stir avoidable unrest.
“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.”
SSANU and NASU argued that non-teaching staff are critical to the daily running and advancement of Nigeria’s higher education system, not second-class members of the university community.
“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.”
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The unions said the government’s actions diminish their contributions and send a damaging message about their worth.
“The latest attempt to diminish our role and worth through the alleged inequitable distribution is an injustice that we will not accept in silence.”
They insisted that the dispute is not about union rivalry but about equity and recognition.
“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.”
They also reminded the government of the stabilising role non-teaching staff have consistently played, especially during times of crisis in the sector.
“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 stabilising the Nigeria 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.”
The statement urged the Federal Government to revisit the sharing formula without delay to prevent a breakdown in university operations.
“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 concluded.