By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have rejected the sharing and disbursement formula for the Federal Government’s N50 billion Earned Allowances for University staff unions.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Chukwugozie Ikegulu, NASU Chairperson UNIZIK Branch and Comrade Anthonia Chukwudi, SSANU Chairperson UNIZIK Branch during a Press Conference held on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025 at the UNIZIK Faculty of Arts Conference Room, both union leaders registered their dismay on the decision to allocate 80 percent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
It would be recalled that in April 2025, the Federal Government approved the release of N50 billion to Federal Universities’ teaching and non-teaching staff unions to settle outstanding allowances owed university staff members.
The unions said the remaining 20 percent made to be shared among SSANU, NASU and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) shows a high degree of inconsideration, bias and skewed preference of one University based Union over the others.
The JAC of both unions averred that the stance taken by government is capable of generating disharmony among members of staff on campus and also disrupt the peace being enjoyed in various campuses as academic activities are ongoing as well as lead to discouragement and antagonism which may affect the smooth operation of activities in the universities.
The statement reads: “The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Branch led by Comrade Chukwugozie Ikegulu and Comrade Anthonia Chukwudi respectively has strongly rejected the lopsided and unjust allocation formula in the disbursement of the N50 billion Earned Allowance approved by the Federal Government for University based unions as it lacks justice, equity and fairness.
“The resolve by Government to apportion 80 percent of the fund to ASUU and 20 percent to SSANU, NASU and NAAT shows a high degree of inconsideration, bias and skewed preference of one University based union over the others. In the University system, no union can claim monopoly of superiority over the other in terms of productivity and performance.
“The stance taken by government is capable of generating disharmony among members of staff on campus and also disrupt the peace being enjoyed in various campuses as academic activities are ongoing. It could also lead to discouragement and antagonism which may affect the smooth operation of activities in the universities,” the statement read.
The unions called on FG to reverse the disbursement formula to reflect equity, fairness and spirit of mutual respect that guided the negotiations leading to release of the funds. They eulogized FG for the recent appointment made to fill the vacant positions in the University Governing Council which will help to improve and strengthen the administrative structure and activities of the University.
They also appreciated her members for their patience and display of maturity in the face of provocation stating that the National leadership of JAC are fully engaged and will ensure that the injustice is addressed.
Also present during the press briefing were Comrade Chijioke Odili, NASU Secretary UNIZIK Awka; Comrade Vivian Obika, NASU Branch Chairperson UNIZIK Nnewi Campus; Comrade Chinonyerem Amanze, NASU Branch Secretary UNIZIK Nnewi Campus; Comrade Chioma Ojukwu, EXCO member NASU UNIZIK Awka; Comrade Kingsley Aniakor, Trustee SSANU UNIZIK; Comrade Victor Ohis, Assistant Secretary SSANU UNIZIK Awka; and Comrade Tochukwu Akujobi, Treasurer SSANU UNIZIK Awka.
Others are Comrade Kingsley Nzewi, PRO SSANU UNIZIK Awka and Ex-officio of NASU UNIZIK comprising of Comrade Uchenna Ezeukwu, Comrade Benjamin Olisama, Comrade Joy Maneke and Comrade Patrick Ezeala.
The disparity in the sharing formula – 80% to 20% amounts to throwing fairness and equity to the dogs. God will judge those behind such a wicked malicious decision. They will not know peace until the necessary adjustment is made.
Aluta continua. Victoria acerta.