The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the conclusion and signing of the long-awaited renegotiated 2009 Agreement, warning that prolonged delays are fueling growing dissatisfaction among its members nationwide.
Speaking during the 79th Statutory Meeting of the Zonal Executive Council (ZEC), Western Zone, held at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, the National Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Western Zone of SSANU, Dr Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, said discussions between the union and the Federal Government were nearing completion. He stressed that concluding the process promptly would help cushion the impact of the country’s harsh economic realities on university workers.
According to Salaam, many SSANU members have become increasingly concerned and frustrated by the delay in formalising the agreement, which he described as overdue. He urged the government to complete all outstanding processes and ensure the agreement is signed without further delay.
He explained that the meeting brought together representatives from universities across the South-West to discuss key issues affecting members, including career progression, remuneration, welfare, and conflict management within university communities. He noted that resolving the 2009 Agreement remains one of the union’s most pressing concerns.
Salaam reiterated that SSANU is committed to dialogue and constructive engagement rather than confrontation. However, he maintained that the union would not remain passive if the welfare of its members continued to be neglected.
He said SSANU traditionally exhausts all avenues of communication and negotiation before considering industrial action, emphasizing that the union is not known for embarking on strikes without due process. According to him, meaningful engagement between government and stakeholders remains the most effective way to address challenges facing the university system.
On the prevailing economic conditions in the country, Salaam observed that university workers, like other Nigerians, are struggling with rising living costs, transportation expenses, and inflation. While acknowledging the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, he argued that stronger measures are needed to alleviate the hardship experienced by citizens.
He called on policymakers to develop innovative solutions that would improve the welfare of Nigerians, stressing that many people are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs such as feeding, transportation, and personal security.
The SSANU leader also commended the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University for creating opportunities that allow non-teaching staff to attain CONTISS 15, the highest level in the career structure for university administrative and support staff.
He explained that many workers spend years stagnating at CONTISS 14 despite having the competence and experience required for advancement. According to him, opening pathways to CONTISS 15 provides employees with a sense of career fulfillment and professional growth.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of SSANU, OOU Branch, Dr Abiodun Lamina, stated that the union had continued to make progress in advocating for staff welfare and professional development. He also highlighted several challenges affecting members, including inadequate non-teaching staff strength, transportation difficulties, TETFund-related concerns, and the need for continuous training and retraining.
Declaring the meeting open, the Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, praised the cordial relationship between the institution’s management and SSANU members. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin, the Vice Chancellor noted that the cooperation between both parties had contributed significantly to the successful accreditation of all 54 academic programmes currently offered by the university through the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He further assured the union that the university management would implement the provisions of the renegotiated 2009 Agreement once it is officially signed between SSANU and the Federal Government.
