The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities is seeking clarification from the Federal Government regarding the payment of withheld salaries during the 2022 university strikes.
While the Presidency’s statement primarily focused on ASUU, the union is emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for all university-based unions involved in the strikes.
In 2022, major university-based unions, including ASUU, SSANU, and NASU, embarked on strikes, with ASUU’s lasting for eight months.
The Bola Tinubu administration partially waived the “no work, no pay” rule, releasing four months’ salary arrears for lecturers affected by the strikes.
Despite this, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is seeking further clarification from the government, stressing the need for equitable considerations for all university-based unions.
In response to the partial waiver on salary arrears, ASUU plans to respond appropriately, as confirmed by Prof Gbolahan Bolarin, the Chairman of the union at the Federal University of Technology, Minna branch.
Shifting focus, SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, has called for collaboration with Nigerian Embassies to address the issue of scholars sponsored abroad absconding after completing their programs.
He suggests implementing punitive measures, such as denying jobs, for scholars who abscond after graduation.
Furthermore, Ibrahim advocates for a review of laws governing scholarship beneficiaries to include accountable guarantors, ensuring responsible use of government funds and adherence to the purpose of the sponsorship.
