The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the slow and unproductive negotiations between the Federal Government and university-based unions. This comes after the four-week ultimatum jointly issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and various tertiary education unions officially expired.

Background of the Ultimatum

On October 20, the NLC alongside ASUU, SSANU, NASU, NAAT, ASUP, and other tertiary institution unions gave the Federal Government a four-week deadline to resolve long-standing disputes affecting the education sector.

However, four weeks later, little progress has been made, leading to rising frustrations among university workers.

Government Negotiations Moving at a “Painfully Slow Pace”

Speaking to journalists, SSANU President and Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, condemned the government’s handling of the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement and other critical demands.

According to him, although meetings resumed a few weeks ago, the government has made no concrete move since unions resubmitted their demands.

“We submitted our demands three weeks ago, yet we’ve received no further communication or meaningful engagement,” he lamented.

He emphasized that the next course of action now depends on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Concerns Over Government’s Plan to Outsource University Jobs

One of the most alarming revelations by Comrade Ibrahim is the government’s alleged intention to outsource or lease jobs traditionally assigned to university workers.

Describing the plan as a “time bomb,” he warned that outsourcing essential services in universities would:

• Threaten job security
  
• Increase operational costs
  
• Create inefficiencies
  
• Reintroduce problems experienced in past outsourcing schemes
  

He recalled that during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, outsourced security services were later canceled due to widespread inefficiency.

SSANU’s National Executive Council (NEC) is set to meet in early December in Jos to take a firm position on the matter.

Contradictions in Government Policies

Comrade Ibrahim criticized the Federal Government for claiming inadequate funding for existing universities while still establishing new institutions. He described the move as contradictory and insensitive to the ongoing struggles within the education sector.

Rejection of Government Questionnaires

The SSANU president also dismissed the recently circulated questionnaires meant for university staff, describing them as “crazy and irrelevant.” He urged members not to complete them, insisting they are not a genuine step toward resolving issues.

Growing Hardship and Rising Tension in the Sector

With worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and deteriorating infrastructure affecting university staff, SSANU warns that workers will not remain silent while their welfare and job stability are endangered.

Comrade Ibrahim urged the Federal Government to return to sincere dialogue and take decisive action to prevent further deterioration of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.