News
Tension looms as SSANU, NASU reject N50bn sharing formula
A fresh wave of industrial unrest may be brewing in Nigeria’s federal universities following the controversial disbursement of N50 billion recently released by the Federal Government to settle outstanding entitlements of university workers.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has vehemently rejected the allocation formula, which reportedly earmarks 80 per cent of the funds for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving only 20 per cent for non-teaching staff, including SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
In a strongly-worded communiqué signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the two unions expressed “deep displeasure, outrage, and firm rejection” of what they described as a lopsided and provocative formula.
“We have received, with utter disappointment, the information that 80 per cent of the sum has been allocated solely to ASUU, while the remaining 20 per cent is expected to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and NAAT,” the statement read. “This lopsided arrangement is grossly unfair, totally unacceptable, and capable of creating industrial disharmony.”
According to the unions, the formula not only undermines the critical role of non-academic staff but also reinforces an unjust dichotomy between teaching and non-teaching staff in the university system.
They insisted that non-teaching staff are not “second-class citizens” but are essential to the smooth running and development of the nation’s higher education institutions—contributing to administrative efficiency, technical support, research excellence, and institutional stability.
“This is not a contest of supremacy among unions,” JAC stressed. “Rather, it is about fairness, recognition, and the equitable treatment of all workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian university system.”
The unions warned that proceeding with the current formula without revision could spark widespread discontent and disrupt the fragile peace currently holding in the university system.
“It is unnecessary to remind the government of the pivotal roles played by non-teaching staff in stabilising our universities. We urge the Federal Government to review and reverse this unfair allocation,” the communiqué stated.
Both SSANU and NASU vowed to continue pressing for justice and equity, warning that they would not remain silent while their members are, in their words, “treated with disdain.”
Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
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EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute
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