SSANU Criticizes FG Over Delay in N50bn Earned Allowances Payment

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) has voiced its dissatisfaction with the federal government’s continued delay in releasing funds for the payment of allowances.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa, SSANU urged the government to ensure that the N50 billion previously allocated is reinstated in the 2025 budget and that other outstanding allowances are disbursed without further postponement.

The communiqué, signed by SSANU President Haruna Ibrahim, stated: “NEC-in-Session expresses displeasure over the continuous delay in the release of N50 billion for the payment of earned and other allowances which was appropriated in the 2023 supplementary budget.”

“NEC further frowns at the non-payment of the arrears of our 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increment for federal universities, inter-universities centres and some state universities.”

The communiqué further mentioned that SSANU had collectively agreed that the government must ensure the N50 billion previously allocated is included in the 2025 budget and that all outstanding allowances are settled without any additional delays.

SSANU also insisted on the immediate disbursement of its two months’ withheld salaries.

The association acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in paying two out of the four months’ withheld salaries owed to members in federal universities and inter-university centres.

However, it also pointed out that these two months’ arrears were paid without including third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions, professional association dues, and other financial commitments.

“NEC appeals to the federal government through the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to as a matter of seriousness facilitate the payment of our remaining two months’ salaries and the third party deductions, so as to guarantee industrial harmony in all Nigerian universities and inter-university centres,” the communiqué stated.

Regarding the rising cases of sexual harassment in universities, SSANU expressed deep concern over the increasing reports of students and staff being subjected to sexual abuse within the country’s higher institutions.

The association condemned an alleged incident of sexual harassment involving the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fashina, and a Deputy Director of Works and Services at the same institution.

SSANU cautioned that it was closely monitoring the situation and stressed that any outcome that falls short of justice for its sexually harassed members would not be accepted.

Additionally, the union raised alarm over what it referred to as the excessive taxation on various goods and services.

It stated that certain taxes were negatively impacting members’ already low salaries through deductions such as the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax, the increased Value Added Tax (VAT), and several other “unexplainable” levies.