AFUED Workers Protest, Demand Renegotiation of 2009 Agreements and others Issues by the Federal Government – PRESS RELEASE

Ondo, Nigeria — October 9, 2025

Non-teaching staff of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, under the joint platform of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), on Thursday, October 9, 2025, embarked on a one-day peaceful protest to demand the re-negotiation and implementation of the 2009 Agreement between the Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two unions.

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The protest, held within the university campus, was in compliance with a national directive from the JAC of SSANU and NASU, following a circular dated October 6, 2025, jointly signed by the National President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim, and the General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi. The circular had instructed all branches across universities and inter-university centres in Nigeria to hold a joint congress on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and prepare for a one-day national protest to press home their demands.

Workers Mobilize for Peaceful Demonstration
As early as 8:00 a.m., members of the two unions gathered in large numbers at the frontage of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. They sang solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions such as “We demand what is ours,” “Treat non-teaching staff with dignity,” “No more empty promises,” and “Honour the 2009 agreement now.”

Speaking during the protest, the Ex-Officio of SSANU, AFUED Branch, Comrade Cletus Oguayo, and the NASU Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Christianah Jumoke Obadofin, on behalf of the Branch Executive Committees of the two unions, explained that the peaceful demonstration was necessitated by the Federal Government’s failure to address lingering grievances of non-teaching staff despite several calls for dialogue.

The union leaders listed the major grievances to include:

1. Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements;
2. Non-payment of the approved 25/35% salary increments;
3. Unjust disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowances;
4. Non-payment of outstanding withheld salaries; and
5. Non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

They emphasized that the unions remain committed to peaceful engagement and urged all members to maintain decorum while demanding justice and fairness.

Management Commends Workers’ Conduct
Addressing the protesting workers on behalf of the University Management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao, accompanied by the University Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Olukemi Fakorede, commended the non-teaching unions for the peaceful conduct of the protest.

She encouraged the workers to continue to channel their demands through lawful and constructive means, noting that peaceful dialogue remains the best approach to conflict resolution.

Union Leaders Reaffirm Commitment
Other union leaders who addressed the press during the event included Comrade Dr. Emmanuel Taiwo Akinola, Branch Secretary of SSANU; Comrade Hassan Ojonugwa Maiyanga, NASU Chapter Secretary; Comrade Elder Mathew Olasan, a senior SSANU statesman; and Comrade Beatrice Ogungbenle, a NASU leader.

They reaffirmed the unions’ unwavering commitment to the welfare of their members and called on the Federal Government to urgently honour the agreements reached with the unions, renegotiate the 2009 pact, and address all pending issues affecting non-teaching staff across federal universities and inter-university centres.

Protest Peaceful and Orderly
The peaceful protest, which featured solidarity chants, processions, and a live band, was conducted without any incident.
The workers reiterated that their demands are legitimate and aimed at promoting fairness, justice, and improved working conditions for all non-teaching staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Signed:
Comrade Dr. Emmanuel Taiwo Akinola, FITD, FCILG
For: Chairman, SSANU AFUED Branch

Comrade Christianah Jumoke Obadofin
Chairperson, NASU AFUED Chapter