The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has condemned the Federal Government’s delay in releasing the N50bn earned allowances appropriated in the 2023 supplementary budget.
At its 50th Regular National Executive Council meeting held at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, SSANU demanded the immediate inclusion of the withheld funds in the 2025 budget and their prompt disbursement.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the union expressed displeasure over unpaid arrears of the 25% and 35% salary increments approved for staff of federal universities, inter-university centres, and some state universities.
It urged the government to fulfill its financial obligations to university workers to prevent industrial unrest.
While acknowledging the payment of two months’ withheld salaries, SSANU criticised the government’s failure to remit third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and dues for professional associations.
It demanded the immediate payment of the remaining two months’ withheld salaries and the settlement of all outstanding deductions.
“The union noted cases of salary shortfalls and inconsistencies in third-party deductions across various universities and inter-university centres.
“Further inquiries revealed that, after migrating to the GIFMIS platform, some universities have shortchanged their staff by paying incomplete salaries and withholding deductions, citing salary shortfalls, in violation of financial regulations,” the communiqué stated.
SSANU also condemned the failure of some state governments to implement the new minimum wage, leaving workers in state universities financially disadvantaged compared to their counterparts in federal institutions.
It called on the affected states to comply immediately with the new wage structure.
The union raised concerns over rising cases of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, condemning an alleged case involving the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fashina, and a Deputy Director of Works and Services.
It warned that it is monitoring the situation closely and will not tolerate injustice against its members.
Furthermore, SSANU criticised the excessive taxation imposed on salaries, including the Pay As You Earn, hike in Value Added Tax , and other levies, arguing that these financial burdens have eroded the impact of the recent N70,000 minimum wage increase.
The union urged the government to introduce a more worker-friendly tax regime to ease economic hardship.
On power supply, the union lamented the high cost of electricity, which has forced many universities to rely on generators due to insufficient overhead funding.
SSANU also condemned the continued exclusion of Bayelsa State from the national grid, despite its economic significance, urging government and power investors to resolve the issue urgently.
SSANU expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, citing increased kidnappings, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes. The union called on federal and state governments to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
Additionally, SSANU criticised the deplorable state of Nigerian roads, which have become death traps for commuters.
It urged the government to prioritize road rehabilitation and curb extortion by security agencies and vigilante groups.
