SSANU warns universities against victimising members over union activities

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned universities against victimising its members for participating in lawful union activities, saying such actions would not be tolerated.

The warning was contained in a communique issued at the end of the union’s 55th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

The communique, signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, also cautioned against denying members their negotiated benefits, delaying promotions, or using punitive postings and harassment as forms of punishment.

“NEC seriously warned against the denial of negotiated benefits, punitive postings, delayed promotions, harassment, or any form of victimisation arising from members’ participation in lawful union activities,” the communique stated.

The union also called for the immediate activation of the Implementation Monitoring Committee provided for in the newly signed 2026 agreement to ensure that its provisions are fully implemented and that any violations are addressed.

According to the communique, the agreement must be implemented “promptly, fully and without encroachment and discrimination.”

SSANU further clarified that the agreement applies only to constitutionally recognised members of the union whose membership is confirmed through voluntary admission, registration and payment of check-off dues.

The union directed all its branches to keep accurate and verifiable membership records and report any cases of non-compliance, discrimination, marginalisation or victimisation through the appropriate union structures.

The NEC commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for forwarding the signed agreement to public universities and inter-university centres and praised the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for issuing the implementation circular.

It also urged the Federal and State Governments to release funds without further delay to enable the implementation of the agreement and payment of arrears to eligible members.

SSANU described the signing of the 2026 agreement on June 29, 2026, as a major achievement after years of negotiations. It noted that the agreement provides for a 35 per cent upward review of emoluments through the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), improved earned allowances, staff training opportunities, protection of non-teaching positions, and equal career progression for qualified degree holders up to CONTISS 15.

The union also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the negotiating committee, and relevant ministries, departments and agencies for concluding the renegotiation process.

On the outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase arrears, SSANU commended vice-chancellors and heads of institutions that had fully or partially paid the approved arrears.

However, it criticised institutions that had yet to implement or pay the arrears and urged them to do so without further delay to improve staff welfare amid the country’s economic challenges.