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.”
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, swore in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, December 1, 2025. His nomination was announced the following day and transmitted to the Senate, where it received expedited screening and confirmation.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army in 1991 and had a distinguished military career. He was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023 and retired in October 2025.
As Chief of Defence Staff, he championed inter-service security collaboration.
With his swearing-in, the new Defence Minister is expected to immediately assume duties as the Tinubu administration seeks to consolidate recent security gains and fast-track reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Also in attendance were the spouse of the new Minister, Mrs Lilian Oghogho Musa; Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs (rtd).
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
IMO ON GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA KICKS OFF 2025 IMO ECONOMIC SUMMIT.
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