The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) reiterated its demand that its members’ salaries that have been withheld for the last four months be paid immediately.
Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU’s national president, revealed this in a communique issued Sunday in Abuja following the union’s 49th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
President Bola Tinubu had mandated that all withheld salaries of lecturers be reimbursed.
Mr Ibrahim stated that the meeting was called to discuss issues ranging from withheld salaries to systemic policy failures and delays in implementing the agreement reached with its members.
“The continued non-payment of four months’ salaries for SSANU and NASU members, despite a presidential directive for their release, featured prominence at the meeting.
“We are perplexed that our members have yet to receive their due salaries nearly two months after the directive.
“The NEC has called on relevant government agencies to expedite the payment,” Mr Ibrahim said.
He also expressed concern about outstanding earned allowances, which were budgeted at N50 billion in 2023 but have yet to be settled.
He urged the government to investigate the delay and release the funds immediately to avoid further disturbance in the education sector.
“The NEC also called for swift re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement between the federal government and SSANU.
“While we appreciate the reconstitution of the negotiation committee, we urge the government to expedite the process and include us promptly,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim also criticised the rising costs of university tuition and electricity bills.
He expressed concern that the increases, which were compounded by recent economic policies, would be unaffordable for many Nigerians and potentially put further strain on universities.