ABUJA — A new wave of unrest is threatening Nigeria’s federal universities following the rejection of the Federal Government’s N50 billion Earned Allowances sharing formula by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The funds, recently approved by the Federal Government, were meant to be distributed among four university-based unions: the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). However, SSANU and NASU have strongly objected to what they described as a “lopsided” allocation, with 80 percent reportedly assigned to ASUU and only 20 percent to the remaining three unions.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday titled “Unjust Distribution of the Approved N50 Billion for University Unions”, SSANU President Comrade Mohamed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi denounced the formula as provocative, unjust, and capable of sparking industrial unrest across the university system.
“The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU expresses deep displeasure, outrage and firm rejection of the recent distribution formula. This lopsided arrangement is grossly unfair, totally unacceptable, and capable of creating industrial disharmony, further accentuating the teaching/non-teaching dichotomy in Nigerian universities,” the statement read.
The unions emphasized the pivotal role of non-teaching staff in ensuring administrative stability, research support, and operational efficiency in universities. They argued that allocating the bulk of the funds to ASUU disregards the contributions of non-academic workers.
“This is not a contest of supremacy among unions,” the statement continued. “Rather, it is about fairness, recognition, and the equitable treatment of all workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian university system.”
JAC warned that going ahead with the current allocation formula could deepen resentment and destabilize academic activities nationwide. They called on the Federal Government to urgently review and reverse the distribution plan to reflect equity and justice.
“SSANU and NASU stand 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 unions concluded.
The controversy raises fresh concerns over the fragile peace in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, already plagued by recurring strikes and funding challenges.
