Nigerian University Unions Decry Exclusion from Renegotiation Committee
Abuja, Nigeria – October 16, 2024
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have condemned the inauguration of the Renegotiation Committee, labeling it a “charade.” The committee, established to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions, was inaugurated on October 15, 2024, at the Ministry of Education headquarters.
SSANU and NASU expressed disappointment and disgust through a statement, citing inadequate representation and potential bias toward academic staff. Key concerns include:
- Insignificant Presence: Despite attending the ceremony, the unions felt their presence was insignificant due to lack of formal roles.
- ASUU-Centric Event: The inauguration focused primarily on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with brief mentions of other unions.
- Unfair Treatment: The President of ASUU was invited to respond on behalf of other unions without consultation, indicating disregard for non-academic staff opinions.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU criticized the inauguration, citing an imbalance in relationships and potential unfair treatment. They expressed misgivings about the renegotiation process, fearing bias against non-teaching staff ¹.
