……SSANU, NASU, ASUU disagree over sharing

 formula

……..Urge FG to reverse allocation formula

 BY NGOZI NWANKWO

The various Labour unions in the nation’s universities have been drawn into a supremacy battle and disagreement over the formula to be adopted in the sharing of the recently approved N50bn by the federal government to the nation’s ivory towers

The Federal Government had recently approved the release of the amount to all the universities, which would be shared by all the labour unions

The N50 billion is to be shared among the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Seniour Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

However, the Joint Action Committee (JACOM) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied institutions (NASU) has rejected the formula adopted for the disbursement of the N50 billion, which gave about 80% of the largess to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

The joint committee a statement, on Monday, expressed disappointment that 80% of the allocation was given solely to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving only 20% to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and NAAT.

“This lopsided arrangement is grossly unfair, provocative, totally unacceptable, and capable of creating industrial disharmony, thereby further accentuating the teaching/non-teaching dichotomy in Nigerian Universities.

“Non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities are not second-class citizens but are critical stakeholders who contribute immensely to the day-to-day functionality, administrative efficiency, research excellence, technical operations, and overall development of the Nigerian University system,” the statement said.

The unions further lamented that, “The latest attempt to diminish our role and worth through this inequitable distribution is an injustice that we will not accept in silence.

“We wish to make it clear that this is not a contest of supremacy among unions. Rather, it is about fairness, recognition, and the equitable treatment of all workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian University system.

“A harmonious and productive academic environment can only be achieved when all stakeholders are treated with respect, dignity, equity, and fairness.

“It is unnecessary to remind the government of the essential and pivotal roles played by non-teaching staff (and which we will continue to play) in stabilizing the Nigerian University system. The government and its agencies are fully aware of the invaluable contributions of SSANU and NASU in ensuring the stability, functionality, and excellence of our universities.

“Their decisions should, therefore, reflect this understanding and uphold the principles of equity and justice.”

SSANU and NASU urged the Federal Government to immediately review and reverse the recommended allocation formula, warning that going ahead with the distribution will only breed avoidable resentment and trigger widespread industrial disharmony, something they said the university system can ill afford at this critical time.

“SSANU, alongside NASU, stands united in demanding justice, fairness, and a recognition of our rightful place in the university community.

“We will not fold our arms while our rights are trampled and our members are treated with disdain.

“The time to correct this injustice is now, as a stitch in time saves nine,” the statement concluded.