Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), says the Federal Government must honour its commitment to implementing the new national minimum wage.
Ibrahim told newsmen on the sidelines of the association’s 72nd Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting at the University of Ilorin that this must be by the year’s first quarter.
While commending the Federal Government for the pronouncement, Ibrahim reminded it that the current economic hardship was serious.
He urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the country as a whole receives the needed attention in terms of security and economy.
“Beyond our members, every Nigerian today knows what he is going through. So, our members are not coming from the moon, they are also Nigerians .
“The economy is not doing well. It’s clear and glaring (that) the purchasing power of the average Nigerian is at its lowest ebb and the country is also becoming something else.
“However, we are optimistic that there is a new government and it has come with vigour and displayed that it has what it takes to do this,” the SSANU National President said.
Ibrahim said the ZEC meeting was to look at how their members were faring in the universities, especially those within the Western Zone of the country.
“We also look at whether or not the government is always living up to expectations.
“When we see gaps, we escalate this matter in the level of the zone and the national level and also try to relate with the government by easing friction.
“But where it becomes necessary to hit at the government, we don’t mince our words. But we are a very peaceful union,” he said.
Also speaking , Prof Wahab Egbewole, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin advised on responsive and responsible unionism.
He observed that while there can be disagreement on issues, there is also the need for effective dialogue to arrive at resolutions in spite of differences.
Egbewole commended the university unions, adding that the mandate of any union is to focus on its members’ welfare.
He enjoined SSANU to deliberate on salient issues that would bring about partnership and development of the university system.
“The leadership must be responsible members of staff in their various institutions. The way we work will determine who we are,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Egbewole also admonished the union to strategically engage the government, not confront it.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Naheem Falowo, the Chairman of SSANU, University of Ilorin branch, emphasised the role of the union in the area of administration, maintenance and development of institutions in Nigeria.
“It is crucial that the university unions come together as a collective force to address the challenges militating against members and work towards addressing the challenges,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the programme include the inauguration of the union’s Secretariat Complex in the university.
