The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), has vehemently denounced the Federal Government’s recently implemented sharing formula for the N50 billion allocated as earned allowances for university-based unions. The unions argue that the allocation disproportionately favors academic staff, creating a discriminatory and inequitable distribution that undermines the vital contributions of non-academic staff to the university system. This contentious allocation, they contend, threatens to disrupt the delicate balance within Nigerian universities and potentially instigate widespread industrial action.
At the heart of the dispute lies the perceived marginalization of non-academic staff. The JAC emphasizes that these employees, encompassing administrative, technical, and support personnel, are indispensable to the efficient functioning of universities. They argue that their roles, while often less visible than those of academic staff, are crucial to the smooth operation of research activities, administrative processes, and the overall maintenance of the university environment. Therefore, the allocation formula, which appears to undervalue their contributions, is deemed unacceptable and a potential trigger for unrest. The JAC’s leadership maintains that a fair and equitable distribution of resources is essential not only for the well-being of their members but also for the overall stability and progress of the university system.
The unions’ core argument revolves around the concept of fairness and equitable recognition. They assert that all university employees, regardless of their roles, contribute to the institution’s overall success and should be treated with equal respect and consideration. The current allocation formula, they argue, creates a divisive hierarchy within the university system, devaluing the crucial contributions of non-academic staff. This perceived disregard, they warn, could lead to resentment, demoralization, and ultimately, industrial disharmony, which would negatively impact the already fragile peace within Nigerian universities.
The JAC’s statement underscores the importance of a harmonious and productive academic environment, achievable only through equitable treatment of all stakeholders. They argue that the allocation formula, by creating a disparity between academic and non-academic staff, directly undermines this objective. The unions emphasize that a thriving university system relies on the collaborative efforts of all its members, and therefore, any policy that creates a sense of inequality or injustice is detrimental to the institution’s overall well-being. The JAC urges the Federal Government to reconsider the allocation formula and adopt a more equitable approach that recognizes and values the contributions of all university staff.
The unions’ concern goes beyond the immediate financial implications of the allocation. They highlight the potential for long-term damage to the university system if the issue of equitable treatment is not addressed. A disgruntled workforce, they argue, is less productive and less likely to contribute positively to the institution’s growth and development. Moreover, the perceived injustice could exacerbate existing tensions between academic and non-academic staff, leading to a further breakdown of communication and collaboration within the university environment. The JAC’s call for a review of the allocation formula is thus not only a plea for fair compensation but also a proactive measure to safeguard the stability and future of Nigerian universities.
The JAC’s strong condemnation of the allocation formula serves as a clarion call for a more inclusive and equitable approach to resource distribution within Nigerian universities. They argue that a system that values and recognizes the contributions of all its members, regardless of their roles, is essential for fostering a harmonious and productive academic environment. The unions’ demands extend beyond mere financial considerations, encompassing broader issues of respect, dignity, and fairness. Their message is clear: the long-term health and prosperity of Nigerian universities depend on the equitable treatment of all stakeholders, and the current allocation formula, with its perceived bias, threatens to undermine this crucial foundation. The JAC urges the Federal Government to heed their concerns and revise the formula to ensure a more just and sustainable future for the Nigerian university system.
