A renewed wave of tension is emerging within federal universities and inter-university centers following the rejection of the distribution formula for the recently approved N50 billion Earned Allowances by 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).
The Federal Government had authorised the disbursement of the N50 billion among four university-based unions: the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
However, the proposed allocation grants 80 per cent of the funds to ASUU, leaving a mere 20 per cent to be shared among the remaining three unions.
In a joint statement, Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, and Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, expressed profound dissatisfaction with the formula, describing it as inequitable, provocative, and detrimental to industrial harmony within the university system.
The statement underscored the indispensable role of non-teaching staff in the effective administration, technical support, research facilitation, and overall development of Nigerian universities, asserting that they should not be relegated to secondary status.
“This is not a contest of supremacy but a plea for fairness, recognition, and equitable treatment of all employees who constitute the backbone of the Nigerian university system,” the statement affirmed.
The unions urged the Federal Government to undertake an immediate review of the allocation formula to prevent potential discord and preserve the stability of the academic environment.
“SSANU and NASU remain united in their demand for justice, equity, and due recognition. The correction of this injustice must be effected forthwith,” the statement concluded.
