SSANU president hints at imminent industrial shutdown in universities

…Canvasses federal government support for TASUED

The national president of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Dr. Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, has hinted that members of the association may soon down tools, depending on how the Federal Government handles the lingering negotiations over the 2009 agreement with the union.

He made the remarks at the opening of the SSANU leadership training/workshop held at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State.

Dr Ibrahim expressed concern that the government had been unserious and insincere with the union over the matter, to the extent that after 16 years, the government is even now claiming there had never been an agreement.

“As workers in the university, we are facing a challenge. The 2009 agreement is under threat. After 16 years, the government is claiming there has never been an agreement. We now understand why it was never implemented,” he said.

He, however, warned that the strike, if it eventually takes place, would be “total, indefinite and absolute.”

“Ours will not be the ‘mother of all strikes’; ours will be the grandfather of all strikes, because when SSANU strikes, when NASU strikes, you know what it means: it’s total, indefinite, absolute. We must take our destinies in our hands,” he said.

He bemoaned university workers’ conditions of service, saying that they are the worst hit financially, economically and psychologically”.

“What we have as our absolute minimum benchmark is that workers and members of SSANU must be paid handsomely. Today, workers in the universities are the worst hit financially, economically, and if you like, psychologically.

“That’s why we’ll continue to canvass for additional payment of our salaries and other allowances. That document that we have prepared (2009 agreement) is an all-encompassing document that we are willing to defend with all the energy in our body, with your support.

“So, rest assured, we are in contact with the government; we are seeing the drama, and we also understand the game even more, and we are not going to rest on our oars; we’ll continue to fight for you.

“What we have pending: we have the 25/35, we have the wage awards, we have the balance of our withheld salaries, we also have our N50 billion that has not been paid.”

The SSANU president enjoined members to “take care of saboteurs,” in case the industrial dispute does take place.

“No frustrations, no considerations; revolution comes with a lot of pains, and there is no gain without pain. Please, do not submit to this idea of ‘essential service’; there is nothing more essential than your life,” he said.

Dr Ibrahim used the occasion to canvass federal government support for universities of education, particularly the Tai Solarin University of Education, describing it as a “university of universities.”

He said, “This is a university of education (TASUED); so, by default, this is a university of universities. Education as a vocation requires training; impacting knowledge is not something that everybody does without getting the requisite training.

“This is a specialised university, and the government must give special attention to our universities of education. This is my position, because I’m a product of a teacher’s college; therefore, I know what it takes to be a teacher.

“So, I’m canvassing for support for this university from the federal government.”

He commended the management of TASUED for the serenity of the environment that is conducive for learning and research.

In his address, the vice chancellor, Professor Oluwole Banjo, who was represented by the deputy, Professor Adekunle Adeogun, noted that hosting the event depicted TASUED as both labour-friendly and labour-compliant.

He commended the branch executives and members of SSANU for the harmonious relationship between the union and the university management, “and by extension, the Ogun State government before our new federal status.”

The vice chancellor noted that TASUED “has an enviable record of the most peaceful staff unions among its peers for the reason that we hold every staff in high esteem” and give a listening ear to every agitation by the unions and reach amicable resolution without rancour.

He announced that there are still outstanding packages to enhance staff continuing development, which he said is being fine-tuned for the governing council’s consideration and approval for implementation, among other staff welfare programmes.

The branch chairman of SSANU, Comrade Kehinde Adebayo, in his welcome address, had listed some of the achievements of his administration since its inception in July 2018 to include completion of the secretariat building, the SSANU TASUED Endwell Scheme, inauguration of SSANU Health Committee and organisation of public lectures and seminars, welfare support of members, among others.

He thanked the university management for the payment of 10 months cooperative deductions dating back to 2012 but also intimated the management with the challenges of the association.

Among others, he appealed for approval for the career structure review, saying the structure currently in use is long overdue for review “in order to reflect the current realities as obtained in other universities.”

“We believe that this should be done without further delay in order to help assure our members of a clear and concise career path in the university. 

He also noted that members of the association are currently owed arrears of Hazard Allowance running into several months, which he appealed should be paid without delay.

Comrade Adebayo also appealed for the payment of outstanding salary arrears for members.

“The Vice Chancellor, Sir, the national minimum wage came into effect in 2019 but the ‘adjusted’ payment only started in the university in February 2021 by your administration.

“I am without doubt that the payment of this over 23 months arrears to our members will also go a long way to cushion the effect of the harsh economic conditions members of staff are experiencing in this country today,” he said.

Awards were given to several individuals for outstanding and impactful service. These include a former bursar of the institution, Dr. Odukunle Odusanya; a former member of the association and current chairman of Ikosi LCDA, Akogun Giwa Wale ‘Anomo’ (who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon.  Jaiyesinmi Ibrahim).

A parting gift was also given to the vice chancellor, Professor Oluwole Sikiru Banjo.

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