By JOAN NWAGWU

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) reiterates its call on the Federal Government to pay its three months withheld salaries, N50 billion earned allowances, among other demands.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President, SSANU, said this while addressing newsmen ahead of its 3rd Quadrennial National Delegates Conference on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 delegates conference would be held on Nov. 13, with the theme of ?Respecting Collective Bargaining Agreement and Industrial Peace in a Democracy,?

According to Ibrahim, at SSANU, we firmly believe that the integrity of such agreements is essential for ensuring the welfare and dignity of our members, and by extension, the sustainability and advancement of our academic institutions.

?The disregard for or non-implementation of these agreements only serves to undermine trust and disrupt the academic environment.

?As we convene, we also wish to address key ongoing issues that remain in active discussions with the federal government.

?Specifically, we are revisiting the matters of the outstanding three months? withheld salaries, the N50 billion in Earned Allowances, arrears of the 25/35 percent increment, and the Wage Award.

?We recognise that the government has begun payment of one month from the four months of withheld salaries, and we are hopeful this marks progress toward fulfilling these commitments,? he said.

He added that these obligations are far more than numbers on paper; they are commitments that, if honored, directly impact the lives, morale, and well-being of our members.

He also said that it was their hope that the deliberations would culminate in resolutions that not only honor the commitments but also foster stability and trust within the higher education sector.

Ibrahim further said that the upcoming National Delegates Conference would also mark the commencement of SSANU?s electoral process, wherein new leadership would be elected to pilot the affairs of the association over the next four years.

?As an organisation deeply rooted in democratic principles, we are committed to ensuring that this election is conducted with the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity.

?I am confident that the delegates, in their wisdom, will elect leaders who are dedicated to furthering the cause of our members,? he said.

The president urged all members to stand united and steadfast. (NAN)

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