SSANU-FUNAAB Cries Out Over Stalled 2009 Agreement Renegotiation

​ABEOKUTA – The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) branch, has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the “unjustifiable delay” surrounding the renegotiation of the 2009 SSANU/FGN Agreement.

​In an open letter signed by the Branch Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode, the union expressed deep concern over what it described as “selective treatment” by the Federal Government. The union noted that while similar agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been implemented and payments made, non-teaching staff remain sidelined more than a month later.

​A Threat to Campus Harmony

​Comrade Alayode warned that the disparity in treatment between academic and non-academic staff is creating a volatile atmosphere within the university system. He argued that the administrative, technical, and professional staff represented by SSANU are the backbone of the institution, managing everything from student records and financial accountability to critical infrastructure.

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​”The university system is a delicate ecosystem,” the letter read. “This selective implementation creates a dangerous precedent of inequity. It unjustly elevates one group of workers while neglecting others who are equally indispensable.”

​Economic Hardship and Constitutional Rights

​The association highlighted that its members are not insulated from the current economic headwinds, including soaring inflation and transportation costs. They argued that the new salary structure and improved conditions of service sought in the renegotiation are not “privileges” but a “just compensation for labor” that is long overdue.

​Citing the Nigerian Constitution, Alayode reminded the President of the guarantees against discrimination and the right to fair labor practices. He noted that the current “limbo” is a direct affront to these principles and a blow to the morale of thousands of dedicated workers.

​Call for Presidential Intervention

​SSANU-FUNAAB is calling on President Tinubu to exercise his authority as the “father of the nation” to direct relevant government agencies to conclude the renegotiation process immediately.

​While reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, the union cautioned that their patience is “not infinite.” The letter concluded by urging the President to align the situation with his “Renewed Hope” agenda, ensuring that fairness and justice are extended to all categories of workers within the Nigerian university system to maintain industrial peace.