Delay In Salaries Threatening Varsities’ Stability, SSANU Warns AGF

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has appealed to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to address persistent delays in the payment of university workers’ salaries.

In a formal letter, the union warned that the situation could jeopardise the current industrial peace in the nation’s university system if it is not swiftly resolved.

The letter, signed by SSANU national president Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, was directed to the director of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and highlighted the union’s dissatisfaction with delayed salary payments since its exit from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

“It is regrettable that, since our exit from IPPIS, the salaries of our members are often paid two weeks after salaries have been disbursed to other federal workers,” the letter stated.

SSANU described the recurring delay as an administrative lapse and a clear act of discrimination.

The union reminded the AGF of the 2022 agreement between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU/NASU and the federal government, which assured that no union member would face victimisation following the suspension of their last industrial action.

SSANU claimed the continued delay in salary payments is a breach of this agreement and could be perceived as a punitive measure.

The union warned of potential consequences: “This situation threatens the fragile industrial peace currently being enjoyed in our nation’s university system.”

SSANU emphasised that it would not tolerate further delays that impact members’ morale and welfare.

SSANU called for urgent intervention from the AGF to align university salary payments with the general federal schedule.

“Any further delay will be interpreted as deliberate and may compel the union to take necessary steps to protect the rights and dignity of its members,” the letter said.

The communication was also copied to the ministers of education and labour and the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).