The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to swiftly wrap up ongoing renegotiations with non-teaching university unions to ensure lasting peace across campuses.
The unions involved include SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, made the appeal while responding to the recent signing of a revised agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
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Ibrahim acknowledged that the ASUU agreement was a positive step but stressed that it alone could not guarantee sustained industrial harmony in the university system. He said genuine stability would only be achieved if negotiations with all university-based unions were treated with equal urgency.While describing the current situation as “not yet uhuru,” Ibrahim warned that unresolved talks could reignite tensions on campuses. He noted that the non-teaching unions were signatories to the 2009 agreements, many aspects of which remain unimplemented.
According to him, although discussions have already begun, delays in concluding them could create distrust and feelings of marginalisation among the unions. He cautioned that selective engagement by government could undermine confidence in the collective bargaining process.Ibrahim emphasised that universities operate as integrated systems, adding that non-teaching staff play vital roles in security, healthcare services, laboratories, electricity supply and general campus maintenance.
He warned that neglecting their welfare could disrupt academic activities and destabilise school calendars.The SSANU president also expressed concern that prolonged negotiations could erode recent gains in industrial peace, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections draw closer.
He urged the Federal Government to act with fairness, inclusiveness and sincerity by concluding the renegotiations promptly, noting that respect for collective agreements remains key to maintaining trust and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
