ASUU, SSANU, NASU fight dirty over N50bn earned allowances allocation
Tensions have flared among unions in Nigerian federal universities following the Federal Government’s approval of N50 billion in Earned Allowances, as non-teaching staff unions have strongly rejected the proposed distribution formula.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which represents the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), has voiced anger over the alleged 80-20 split.
According to the unions, 80 percent of the funds have been allocated to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving just 20 percent to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of JAC and President of SSANU, and Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, the unions condemned the formula as “lopsided, grossly unfair, provocative, and capable of creating industrial disharmony.”
They argued that such a skewed allocation risks upsetting the fragile calm within the university system and further deepens the entrenched division between teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities are not second-class citizens,” the statement read.
“They are crucial stakeholders who make vital contributions to the daily running of institutions, administrative efficiency, technical operations, research support, and the overall development of the university system.”
The unions accused the Federal Government of marginalising their roles and downplaying their importance by refusing to adopt a more balanced and inclusive approach to the disbursement.
They urged the government to consider a just and respectful framework for all categories of university workers, arguing that lasting stability and productivity in higher education cannot be achieved without treating every contributor to the academic ecosystem with equity and regard.