SSANU warns universities against victimising members over union activities
SSANU Warns Against Victimization of Union Members
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a warning to universities regarding the potential victimization of its members involved in lawful union activities. The union stated that such actions would not be tolerated.
This warning was part of a communique released following the 55th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi. The communique, signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of protecting members against punitive actions such as denial of negotiated benefits, delayed promotions, and harassment.
“NEC seriously warned against the denial of negotiated benefits, punitive postings, delayed promotions, harassment, or any form of victimization arising from members’ participation in lawful union activities,” the communique read.
Moreover, the union called for the immediate activation of the Implementation Monitoring Committee as stipulated in the recently signed 2026 agreement. This committee is intended to ensure the full implementation of the agreement’s provisions and to address any violations.
SSANU insisted that the agreement must be implemented “promptly, fully and without encroachment and discrimination.” It clarified that the agreement pertains only to constitutionally recognized members of the union, whose membership is validated through voluntary admission, registration, and payment of dues.
Branches of the union were directed to maintain accurate and verifiable membership records while reporting any instances of non-compliance, discrimination, or victimization through the appropriate channels.
The NEC commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for distributing the signed agreement to public universities and inter-university centers, and it praised the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for issuing the necessary implementation circular.
The union urged both the Federal and State Governments to release funding without delays to enable the implementation of the new agreement and the payment of any outstanding arrears to eligible members.
SSANU characterized the signing of the 2026 agreement on June 29, 2026, as a significant milestone after extensive negotiations. The agreement includes a 35 percent increase in emoluments through the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), improved earned allowances, enhanced staff training opportunities, and protections for non-teaching positions, along with provisions for equal career advancement for qualified degree holders up to CONTISS 15.
Additionally, SSANU expressed its appreciation to the Federal Government, the negotiating committee, and relevant ministries for their roles in concluding the renegotiation process.
Regarding outstanding salary increase arrears of 25 percent and 35 percent, the union commended those vice-chancellors and heads of institutions that have fully or partially settled the approved arrears. However, it criticized institutions that have yet to fulfill these obligations and urged them to do so promptly to enhance staff welfare amid ongoing economic challenges.
