SSANU Roasts AAUA: Pay 124 Months of Hazard Allowance, Now!

Akure is buzzing, and the workers at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) are not holding back. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), South-West Zone, has fired a clear warning shot at both the Ondo State Government and the university management: settle all outstanding allowances, salaries, and entitlements owed to staff, and do it without further delay.

The demand landed at the 80th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of SSANU South-West Zone, held at the Nelson Mandela Hall of AAUA. This wasn't just a routine gathering; it was a declaration of intent, backed by a list of grievances that would make any worker's blood boil.

What exactly are AAUA workers owed?

Comrade Abiodun Olutayo Ogungbeni, the SSANU-AAUA Chairman, laid it all out in his welcome address. The list is long and heavy:

• 54 months of arrears from the 2019 minimum wage
• 11 months of arrears from the 25/35 per cent 2023 salary adjustment
• A staggering 124 months of hazard allowance arrears
• Outstanding promotional and incremental arrears dating back to 2023
• Excess workload allowances for 2015-2019
• Third-party deductions, including about 37 months owed to cooperative societies
• The July 2026 salary
• Two tranches owed to reabsorbed staff
• Gratuities and pension entitlements for retired workers from 2008 to date

Yes, you read that right. Over a decade of hazard allowance arrears. That's not just a delay; that's a systemic failure.

Why is SSANU calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa?

Dr Abdussobur Salaam, the National Vice-President and South-West Zonal Chairman of SSANU, made it clear that the union is looking to the top. He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to step in and ensure these payments are made immediately.

“We noted the issues of arrears, payments, allowances and salaries being owed members of staff, not only SSANU members but also members of other unions in the university,” Salaam said. “We therefore call on the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene and ensure that these outstanding payments owed members of staff are settled without further delay, especially in the spirit of the progressive leadership he has given the state.”

Salaam didn't stop there. He called on SSANU members to stay committed to their duties, while urging the leadership of ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAT to strengthen their collaboration. The message is simple: united we stand, divided we fall.

Career progression stuck in the past

Beyond the money, there's a deeper issue. Ogungbeni demanded a comprehensive review of the senior staff career structure, arguing that the current system is suffocating career growth.

“We desire a holistic review of the Senior Staff Career Structure to reflect present realities in Nigerian universities. The current structure has stagnated the career progression of our members, and it is unheard of that there is no CONTISS 15 staff in this university when there are many qualified staff for such positions,” he said.

That's a powerful statement. Qualified staff, ready to rise, but blocked by an outdated structure. It's time for a change, and SSANU is not backing down.

What has SSANU achieved so far?

It's not all complaints. Ogungbeni proudly highlighted some wins under his leadership:

• Implementation of the 65/70-year retirement age
• Payment of the N35,000 wage award
• Release of the withheld January 2017 subvention
• 143 staff members benefited from a conversion exercise
• 13 Deputy Registrars and 5 Deputy Bursars appointed

And let's not forget the reopening of the university's main gate, which had been closed for almost five years. Ogungbeni gave props to both the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, and the current VC, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, for making that happen.

What's the university's response?

Prof. Obamuyi, the incumbent VC, assured the association that the management would examine the issues raised and work towards lasting solutions. Words are good, but workers will be watching for action.

Honours for allies of the struggle

The event also saw awards presented to two notable figures. Adekola Olawoye Adewoye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Ondo State Attorney-General, was honoured for his role in extending the retirement age for senior staff from 60 to 65 back in 2018. He humbly noted that he was just doing his job.

Comrade Leke Adegbite, Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was also recognised. He pledged that journalists would keep using their profession to tackle societal issues, and expressed optimism that the university's financial troubles would soon be resolved.

What's next for AAUA workers?

The ball is now in the court of the Ondo State Government and AAUA management. SSANU has made its demands clear, and the workers are standing firm. The question is: will Governor Aiyedatiwa and the university leadership step up, or will they let this drag on?

One thing is certain: SSANU is not going anywhere, and they will keep fighting for what is rightfully theirs. As the saying goes, the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. But in this case, the labour of our workers present must be rewarded, and rewarded now.