Education
SSANU advocates pay parity among varsity workers
***urges disbandment of Briggs Committee
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has urged the Federal Government to ensure pay parity with a common salary structure for university workers to end strikes and enhance industrial harmony in the education sector.
Chairman, Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) chapter of SSANU, Comrade Adedeji Kazeem Suara, made the call at a Press Conference organised by the union at the College of Health Sciences, Adankolo Campus, Lokoja.
The Union maintained that the setting up of various Renegotiation Committees had been lopsided for a long period as members had been drawn from one particular union at the detriment of others.
Suara decried a situation where a committee would recommend between 108 per cent – 180 per cent for teaching staff and an unreasonable 10 per cent for their non-teaching counterparts.
“This and other preferential policies, operations of different pay platforms for university workers were part of the challenges necessitating prevalence of strike actions in the sector.”
Suara noted that the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee made it clear to SSANU from the onset that its Term of References did not include renegotiation of Salary increment.
“But we were dumbfounded to read in the Media about Nimi-Briggs Committee’s wide differential proposal for salary review for the university staff, with a disparity of between 108 per cent – 180 per cent for teaching staff and an unreasonable 10 per cent for their non-teaching counterparts” he said.
Suara added that the 10 per cent proposed increase in salary was unacceptable and inhumane adding, “We will explore all means at our disposal to ensure justice is served.
“We call on Federal Government to immediately disband the Nimi Briggs’ Devilish Committee. We also advise Federal Government to consider various stakeholders in constituting such a committee in the future.
“Consideration should be given to Retired Judges, Retired Bursars and Registrars, Retired Labour Leaders and so on”, he said.
The Union also called on the Federal Government to make available to the public, the reports of integrity tests carried out by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on three pay platforms saying that the report was crucial to resolving the ongoing strike.
The platforms include University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS), University Peculiar Personnel and Payroll System (U3PS). and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
SSANU also demanded immediate stoppage and reversal of the taking-over of headship positions of the non-teaching departments by the teaching staff.
They equally urged the Federal Government to upgrade its funding for Nigerian universities for optimal performance and to enable them compete within the global cycle and as well, upend foreign education tourism at expense of local universities.
It would be recalled that the Joint Action Committee SSANU and SSANU went on strike from April 28, to bring the Federal Government back to the renegotiation table and drive home their demands.
SSANU commended the Labour Minister; Sen. Chris Ngige for turning down the Nimi-Briggs Committee Report and applauded Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for standing by the university-based unions at this critical time.
Education
In Response to Viral Bullying Incident, FG Suspends 13 FGC Enugu Students
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
Education
BOI MD Advocates for University Curriculum Overhaul to Boost Practical Skills
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
Education
NASU, SSANU Announce Indefinite Strike Starting Monday Over Withheld Salaries
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a nationwide indefinite strike beginning Monday.
This decision, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching university staff unions, is in protest of unpaid salaries withheld during a past strike involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the previous administration.
The JAC, in a circular addressed to branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, stated that the strike, initially set for October 23, was postponed to October 27 to align with the Trade Group Council meeting held in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The document, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, cited delays from the Ministry of Finance in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release 50 percent of the outstanding four-month salaries.
The unions expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment to resolve the issue, emphasizing their readiness to maintain the strike until all withheld salaries are released.
The JAC’s circular read: “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
The decision highlights ongoing labor tensions in Nigeria’s education sector, as non-teaching staff urge the government to uphold previous agreements and fulfill financial obligations.
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