The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Branch, has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s proposed sharing formula of the recently released N50 billion Earned Allowance (EA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to public universities.
In a press statement signed by the Branch Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode, the Union described the 20-80 percent distribution ratio—allocating the larger portion to teaching staff—as a breach of the agreement reached with the government on August 23, 2022, by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Teaching Staff Unions (SSANU and NASU).
“The decision to allocate 80 percent to teaching staff and only 20 percent to non-teaching staff is not only unfair but clearly violates the spirit and letter of our agreement with the Federal Government,” Alayode stated.
SSANU-FUNAAB demanded that the government adopt a more equitable 50-50 sharing formula, stressing that such a move would reflect fairness and uphold industrial harmony within the university system.
“In the spirit of equity and fairness, we demand an immediate reversal of this decision. A 50-50 percent sharing formula is more just and reflective of the contributions of all cadres of university workers,” the statement noted.
The Union emphasized that earned allowances should be distributed equitably across all categories of staff without discrimination.
“We insist that the N50bn should be disbursed to universities to share among their staff in an equitable manner, without any form of favoritism. Every staff member deserves a fair share regardless of their cadre,” SSANU-FUNAAB said.
Warning against actions that could trigger unrest in the university community, the Union called on the Federal Government to rethink its stance or face possible resistance.
“The Federal Government must avoid any actions that may cause further divisions within the University system. If this injustice is not addressed, we will not hesitate to take necessary steps as may be directed by our National Executive Council (NEC),” Alayode warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, SSANU-FUNAAB declared its unwavering support for its members.
“SSANU-FUNAAB stands firm for integrity, equity, and justice in solidarity with all its members,” the statement concluded.
