The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called for the immediate implementation of salary increases of 25% and 35% for employees in tertiary institutions.
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, conveyed this demand.
The announcement was made through a communique issued on Monday in Abuja after the conclusion of the 45th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State.
SSANU raises salary demands
During this meeting, the NEC discussed matters of national significance, with a particular focus on the ongoing renegotiation of salaries for SSANU members.
The renegotiation process, led by the late Prof. Nimi Briggs, was in its final stages. Mr. Ibrahim pointed out that SSANU had initially requested a substantial 700% wage increase, but the committee’s proposal was 23.5% and 35% for its members.
Mr. Ibrahim stated, “The recent announcement of the approval of a 25% and 35% increment for workers in tertiary institutions by the government, which has been circulating on social media, does not result from a collective bargaining agreement with the university-based unions.”
He further added, “While reluctantly acknowledging this modest increase, which has yet to be officially communicated to the union, SSANU urges both Federal and State Governments to promptly implement the increment and pay the arrears without further delay.”
The SSANU president also mentioned that the NEC was aware of a provisional allocation of N100 billion for the salary review of workers in tertiary institutions, which had not been put into effect.
NEC expressed concern about the withholding of four months’ salary arrears of its members during the last nationwide strike, describing this action as insensitive and inconsiderate.
Mr. Ibrahim urged the government to promptly release the withheld salaries, considering the harsh economic realities faced by citizens due to hyperinflation.