The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has called on the Federal Government to swiftly conclude ongoing renegotiations with non-teaching university unions.
The non-teaching unions involved are SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and the National Association of Academic Technologists.
The call was made by the SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, during an interaction with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ibrahim was responding to the recent signing of a renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
He described the ASUU agreement as commendable but said it was not enough to ensure lasting industrial harmony across Nigerian universities.
According to him, full stability in the university system can only be achieved if negotiations with other campus-based unions are concluded with the same urgency.
“The ASUU agreement is a welcome development, but it does not automatically translate to total industrial peace in the university system.
“Government must urgently conclude renegotiations with SSANU, NASU, and NAAT to avoid fresh unrest and sustain the current stability on campuses<span;>,” Ibrahim said.
He characterised the situation as “not yet uhuru,” warning that unresolved talks could spark fresh tensions.
Ibrahim noted that the unions are parties to outstanding agreements reached in 2009 that are yet to be fully implemented.
He added that discussions had already begun and urged the government to bring them to a timely conclusion.
The SSANU president cautioned that selective engagement with unions could create mistrust and a sense of unequal treatment.
He explained that universities operate as integrated systems where roles are interdependent.
According to him, non-teaching staff play vital roles in security, healthcare services, laboratories, power supply, and campus maintenance.
Ibrahim warned that neglecting the welfare of non-teaching staff could disrupt academic activities and affect academic calendars.
He expressed concern that delays in negotiations could undermine recent progress made toward industrial harmony.
He further urged the government to show fairness, inclusiveness, and sincerity through concrete actions.
Ibrahim also cautioned that impending 2027 political activities could further complicate delayed negotiations.
He advised the government to respect collective bargaining in order to maintain trust and sustain industrial peace in the tertiary education sector.
