Non-Academic University Unions Reject Nigeria’s N50bn Allocation Formula, Demand Fairness.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-academic unions in Nigerian universities has vehemently rejected the Federal Government’s approved formula for distributing N50 billion to university-based unions, labelling it as “grossly unfair, provocative, and unacceptable.” The decision was announced in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, the statement expressed deep dismay over the government’s decision to allocate 80 per cent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving a mere 20 per cent to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The unions warned that this lopsided distribution risks deepening tensions between teaching and non-teaching staff, potentially sparking industrial unrest across Nigerian universities.
The JAC described the allocation as a grave injustice, emphasising that non-teaching staff are not “second-class citizens” but essential contributors to the administration, research, and overall functionality of the university system. “This is not about union rivalry but about fairness and recognition,” the statement asserted. “The government must acknowledge the pivotal role of non-teaching staff in the stability and progress of Nigerian universities.”
In a strongly worded appeal, the JAC urged the Federal Government to urgently review and reverse the allocation formula to prevent widespread dissatisfaction and potential disruptions. “The time to correct this injustice is now. A stitch in time saves nine,” the unions cautioned, signalling their readiness to take further action if the imbalance is not addressed.
The controversy over the N50 billion disbursement underscores the need for equitable treatment of all university staff, as the nation strives to maintain harmony and progress within its higher education sector.
