The Seniour Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Thursday called on the Federal Government to honour it’s commitment on implementation of the new minimum wage by the first quarter of the year.
Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU made the call in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen at the sidelines of the 72nd Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting held at the University of Ilorin.
Ibrahim while commending the Federal Government for the pronouncement, reminded the Government that “the economy is not doing well”.
He urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to hit the ground running in ensuring that the country as a whole receives the needed attention in terms of security and economy.
“Beyond our members, every Nigerian today knows what he is going through, so our members are not comming from the moon, they are also Nigerians .
“The economy is not doing well. Its clear and glaring the purchasing power of the is at its lowest ebb and the country is also becoming something else.
“However, we are optimistic that there is a new government and they yave come with vigour and displayed that they have what it takee to do this,” he said.
Ibrahim observed that the ZEC meeting is to look at how members are faring in the University and those within the Western Zone of the country.
“We also look at whether or not the government is always looking up to expectations. When we see gaps, we excalate this matter in the level of the zone and the national level and also try to relate with the government by easing friction.
“But where it becomes necessary to hit at the government, we dont mince our words, but we are very peaceful union,” he said.
Speaking also, Prof Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin advised on responsive and responsible unionism.
He observed that though there can be disagreement among issues, there is need for effective dialogue to reach resolution inspite of differences.
Egbewole commended the University unions, adding that the mandate of any unionism is to focus on members welfare.
He therefore enjoined the SSANU to deliberate on salient issues that will bring about partnership and development of the University system.
“The leadership must be responsible staffers in thier various institutions. The way we work will determine who we are,” he said.
The vice chancellor also admonished the union to strategically emgage government, not confront them.
IPPIS: FG suspends salaries of over 240 workers over verification exercise
In his address, Dr Abdulsobbur Salaam, the National Vice President (West) SSANU lamented that Nigeria is in a season of confusion, adding that so many things are not right for the nation.
He pointed out that salaries of colleagues in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education are better and there is need to confront government on this issue.
Abdulsobbur also reminded the government of the challenges posed as regard continuous payment through IPPIS.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Naheem Falowo, the Chairman of SSANU, University of Ilorin branch emphasized the role of the union as playing a vital role in the administration, maintainance and development of institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, it is crucial that the University unions come together as a collective force to address the challenges militating against members and work towards addressing the challenges, and develop strategies to address them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme includes the commissioning of the Secretariat Comlex houses in the University for the benefit of members.
