The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising various non-academic unions in Nigerian universities, namely, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has unequivocally rejected the Federal Government’s approved formula for the disbursement of N50 billion to university-based unions.
Their stance was communicated in a joint statement signed by NASU General Secretary, Mr Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, which was made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.
The unions expressed strong disapproval of the allocation of 80 per cent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving a mere 20 per cent to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
JAC described the allocation as “grossly unfair, provocative, and unacceptable,” cautioning that such an imbalance could exacerbate existing tensions between academic and non-academic staff within Nigerian universities, potentially triggering industrial action.
According to the unions, non-academic staff are not to be treated as second-class citizens, as they play crucial roles in the administration, research, and general development of the university system.
“This is not about union rivalry but about fairness and recognition,” the statement read.
“The government must acknowledge the pivotal role of non-teaching staff in the stability and progress of Nigerian universities.”
JAC urged the Federal Government to urgently reconsider and amend the current disbursement arrangement, warning that failure to do so could result in widespread dissatisfaction and industrial disharmony.
