SSANU warns against delay in implementation of new agreement with FG

...Says only constitutionally recognised staff will benefit from new pay packageBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA — The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has warned against delays in the implementation of the new agreement with the government and called for the immediate activation of the Implementation Monitoring Committee provided for in the document to ensure compliance and address violations. SSANU also resolved that the agreement must be implemented promptly, fully, and without encroachment or discrimination. These and other decisions were contained in a communique issued at the end of its 55th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

At the NEC meeting, SSANU resolved that the agreement applies only to constitutionally recognised members, whose membership is established through voluntary admission, registration, and payment of check-off dues in various branches. “Branches are therefore directed to maintain accurate and verifiable membership records and report all cases of non-compliance, marginalisation, or victimisation through the appropriate union structures,” the communique said. The NEC communique, signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the National Universities Commission (NUC) for forwarding the signed agreement to all public universities and inter-university centres and applauded the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for the release of the implementation circular.

The council urged the federal and state governments to urgently release funds for the implementation and payment of arrears of the approved review to members without further delay. According to the communique: “NEC further resolved that the implementation of the agreement must be done promptly, fully and without encroachment and discrimination. Council also called for the immediate activation of the Implementation Monitoring Committee of the agreement as contained in the document in order to ensure compliance and address violations.

“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 council further affirmed that the agreement applies only to constitutionally recognised members of SSANU, whose membership is established t…