#Nationwide STRIKE LOOMS IN NIGERIA
UNIVERSITIES
#
Workers
in
Nigerian
universities under the auspices of the Senior Staff
Association of Nigerian Universities has threatened
to embark on a nationwide strike over what they
described an ‘obnoxious circular’ by the National
Universities Commission.
The union therefore gave the Federal Government till
Wednesday April 28, 2015, apparently one month
within which it should address the issues or face
industrial action in all the federal and state
universities across the country.
The union said the circular was a mischief to
obliterate the sanctity of its agreement with the
Federal Government.
The position of SSANU is contained in a communiqué
dispatched to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, after its
National Executive Council meeting, held at Obudu
Mountain Resort in Cross River State.
In the communiqué signed by its President, Samson
Ugwoke, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. N.A.D.
Aboribo, SSANU accused the NUC of unilaterally
expunging through a circular the aspect of the
agreement on university demonstration staff schools.
Besides, the union regretted the failure of the
government to pay the outstanding arrears of the
earned allowances and most especially the political
statements being made by government functionaries
about the payment, which has put serious pressure
on the leadership of the union at the national and
branch level.
SSANU also condemned the lackadaisical attitude of
the Federal Government in implementing the 2009
agreement, despite its persistent call on the
government and the Implementation Monitoring
Committee for the full implementation and payment
of the arrears of the earned allowance.
The communiqué read, “SSANU called for the full
implementation and renegotiation of the 2009
agreement to forestall the disruption of the present
smooth academic activities in the university system.
We view with very grave concern, the actions of some
government agencies in collaboration with certain
selfish vice-chancellors to obliterate the sanctity of
the 2009 FGN/university-based unions’ agreement by
unilaterally expunging through a circular from the
NUC the aspect of the agreement on university
demonstration staff schools.
“SSANU-NEC-in-session hereby demands the
immediate withdrawal of the obnoxious circular. For
the avoidance of doubt, if by April 28, 2015, the
circular has not been withdrawn by the NUC, the
union will take labour action against the Federal
Government. We frown on the overbearing attitude
and unnecessary roles of the NIC in this regard.”
SSANU also warned the NUC to stop its undue
meddling and interference in the affairs of the
universities, so as not to overheat the Nigerian
university system.
While demanding that the agreement should be
implemented without further delay, the union
criticized the continuous refusal of the Federal
Government to renegotiate the said agreement
“which is long overdue.”
The NEC-in-session warns Federal Government on
the dangers of its insensitive stand on the matter,
saying it was capable of completely eroding the
relative peace in our universities.
“SSANU therefore urged the Federal Government to
put machinery in place for the renegotiation of this
agreement without any further delay.”
The union also warned against the victimization of its
members and officers in various universities, and
especially called for the reinstatement of 19
members of the union who were sacked at the
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
The union commended the Nigerian Armed Forces
and its foreign allies for the recapture of most areas
occupied by the Boko Haram terrorists in the north-
eastern part of the country. SSANU called on the
Federal Government to continue to adequately equip
them and review Nigeria foreign policies with its
neighbouring countries.
Speaking on the 2015 general election, the union
condemned the hate speeches and unnecessary
political killings currently being experienced in the
build up to the 2015 general elections. The union
urged politicians to place before Nigerians issue-
based campaigns play the game by the rules and
avoid violence.
SSANU also called on the Independent National
Electoral Commission to ensure that the elections
were free, fair and credible.

Again? God please save us. I can't imagine students spending 15% of their lives in the uni alone