The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to consult widely with stakeholders regarding the recent proposal to set 18 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
The union expressed concerns that the policy could lead to a crisis in the education sector if not properly handled.
In a communique issued after its 49th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, SSANU also criticized the delay in the payment of four months of withheld salaries, which President Bola Tinubu had directed to be paid to its members nearly two months ago.
The communique was signed by SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.
On the 18-year age benchmark recently announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SSANU stated, “NEC in session lends its voice to critical stakeholders in the education sector in condemning the decision of the Federal Government to peg the age at which students can write the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and gain admission into tertiary institutions at 18.”
The union urged the government to consult widely on the matter to avoid potential disruptions in the sector.
“Generality of stakeholders believe that this policy would drag the education sector back,” the communique added.
SSANU also demanded the immediate payment of the four months’ withheld salaries, expressing frustration over the delay.
“The Union is aware of the Presidential directive for the release of the four months withheld salaries of members of SSANU and NASU.
We are, however, baffled that almost two months after, our members are yet to be paid,” the union said, calling on relevant government agencies to implement the directive without further delay.
Regarding earned allowances, SSANU noted that N50 billion was earmarked in the 2023 budget for this purpose and urged the government to expedite the release of these funds.
“NEC calls on the Government to investigate and release the already appropriated funds for payment of Earned Allowances to our members to avert any industrial disharmony in the education sector,” the communique stated.
The union also appealed to the government to extend the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to universities to aid in the transportation of staff and students, noting the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies.
Commenting on the economic challenges facing the country, SSANU highlighted the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, which have exacerbated the suffering of the masses.
The union criticized the reintroduction of fuel subsidies, which it said had not resulted in a reduction in the price of petrol or the cost of transportation and goods.
The communique also touched on broader socio-economic issues, warning that the country’s economic and social challenges are symptomatic of a failing state.
“A country with vast potentials of human and material resources is enmeshed in unbridled corruption and massive mismanagement, which undoubtedly spells doom and total collapse if nothing is urgently done,” SSANU warned.
SSANU further condemned the suppression of peaceful protests by the government, describing such actions as anti-democratic.
The union specifically criticized the Nigerian Police for harassing and intimidating its members during a peaceful protest in Abuja, urging law enforcement agencies to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.
“NEC in session also condemns in strong terms, the unwarranted arrest and even killing of peaceful protesters who were protesting against bad governance in the country,” the communique said, urging the police to desist from such practices and to operate with professionalism.
SSANU called on the Federal Government to address the economic challenges facing the country, curb corruption, and create jobs for the youth to prevent the total collapse of the nation.
