The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has actually urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the long-awaited evaluation of the 2009 contract with university-based unions, alerting that growing aggravation amongst its members might activate fresh discontent within the university system.
Speaking at the 79th Zonal Executive Council conference of the union held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, the National Vice President of SSANU and Chairman of the Western Zone, Dr Abdussobour Salaam, said the extended delay in concluding the settlement process was becoming significantly tough for members to endure.
The meeting combined delegates from 26 universities across the South-West to go over concerns impacting non-teaching staff, consisting of well-being, remuneration, profession development, labour relations, and the pending arrangement with the government.
Salaam kept in mind that conversations on the review of the agreement, which is being collaborated by a committee chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, had reached a sophisticated stage despite a number of obstacles encountered during the procedure.
According to him, the negotiations have actually made significant development, but the last has been slowed by difficulties that have delayed the signing and execution of the agreement.
He acknowledged the role played by President Bola Tinubu in sustaining the settlement platform and making sure that talks continued regardless of efforts by some interests to derail the process.
The union leader expressed concern that a review system initially designed to happen every three years had been neglected for more than a decade.
He described that after the 2009 agreement, subsequent evaluations anticipated in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021 were not conducted, resulting in a prolonged backlog of unsolved problems affecting university employees.
Salaam attracted the Federal Government to make sure that the procedure reaches a successful conclusion without interference from people or groups not directly involved in the negotiations.
He cautioned that the patience of SSANU members was slowly being exhausted, keeping in mind that the union had formerly suspended industrial action to develop space for discussion and tranquil engagement.
According to him, members are ending up being increasingly disappointed with the hold-up, and the union’s leadership may be compelled to consult its pertinent organs on the next line of action if there is no progress within an affordable timeframe.
Despite the growing discontent, Salaam maintained that SSANU stays committed to dialogue and useful engagement instead of conflict.
He worried that the union has actually regularly prioritised interaction and settlement in solving conflicts, including that industrial action is typically considered only after all peaceful avenues have actually been exhausted.
The SSANU authorities also gotten in touch with the Federal Government to present steps that would reduce the financial burden on Nigerians in the middle of increasing inflation and the increasing expense of living.
He stated current economic conditions need ingenious interventions efficient in offering relief to citizens having problem with the results of current economic reforms and persistent price boosts.
On staff welfare, Salaam repeated the union’s need for broader career development opportunities for non-teaching personnel within the university system.
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He particularly promoted broader access to the CONTISS 15 income grade level, arguing that lots of competent workers remain stalled at lower levels despite possessing the experience and competence required for promotion.
He commended the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University for carrying out policies that allow eligible employee to achieve the greatest grade level within the non-teaching cadre, describing the move as a spirits booster.
Previously, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Oladipo Olubomehin, applauded SSANU for its contributions to the organization’s stability and development.
He ensured members that the university administration would continue to prioritise staff well-being and preserve a collective relationship with unions in pursuit of academic quality.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of the SSANU branch at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Dr Abiodun Lamina, acknowledged the university management’s efforts in guaranteeing prompt income payments and executing CONTISS 15 for certified staff members.
Nevertheless, he determined personnel lacks, transport expenses, staff training requires, reliable utilisation of TETFund allotments for non-teaching personnel, and improved working conditions as locations needing urgent attention.