The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to urgently conclude renegotiations with non-teaching university unions.
SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasizing that the recent signing of a renegotiated agreement between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was commendable but insufficient to guarantee lasting industrial peace across universities.
“The ASUU agreement is a welcome development, but it does not automatically translate to total industrial peace in the university system,” Ibrahim said, warning that unresolved negotiations could trigger fresh tensions. He described the situation as “not yet uhuru,” stressing that selective negotiations could breed mistrust and perceptions of unequal treatment.
Ibrahim noted that discussions had commenced and urged the government to conclude them promptly, highlighting the critical role non-teaching staff play in university operations, including security, healthcare, laboratories, power supply, and campus maintenance.
The SSANU president expressed concern that delays could reverse recent gains in industrial harmony, emphasizing that universities function as integrated systems with interdependent roles. “Neglecting non-teaching staff welfare could disrupt academic activities and calendars,” he warned.
Ibrahim urged the government to demonstrate fairness, inclusiveness, and sincerity through concrete actions, respecting collective bargaining to sustain trust and industrial peace in the tertiary education sector. He also warned that approaching 2027 political activities could complicate delayed negotiations.
The non-teaching unions, including SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), are parties to outstanding 2009 agreements yet to be fully implemented.
Ibrahim stressed that total stability requires similar urgency in concluding negotiations with other university-based unions, emphasizing that non-teaching staff are critical to the smooth functioning of universities.
The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns of non-teaching staff, ensuring that their welfare is prioritized to maintain industrial peace in the university system.
The outcome of these negotiations is expected to have a significant impact on the stability of the university system, with potential implications for academic activities and the overall quality of education in Nigeria.
