*Says economy not doing well
*Insists purchasing power at lowest ebb
By BILIQIS ONAOLAPO OLAJUMOKE, ilorin
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) today,, tasked the Federal Government to honour commitment on implementation of the new minimum wage by the first quarter of the year.
National President of SSANU, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim made the call in Ilorin, while speaking with newsmen at the sidelines of the 72nd Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting held at the University of Ilorin.
Ibrahim while commending the Federal Government for the pronouncement, reminded the government that “the economy is not doing well”.
He urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to hit the ground running in ensuring 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 is clear and glaring that the purchasing power is at its lowest ebb and the country is also becoming something else.
“However, we are optimistic that there is a new government and they have come with vigour and displayed that they have what it takes to do this,” he said.
Ibrahim observed that the ZEC meeting is to look at how members are faring in the university and those within the Western Zone of the country.
“We also look at whether or not the government is always looking ving up yo 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 very peaceful union,” he said.
Speaking also, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole advised on responsive and responsible unionism.
He observed that though there can be disagreement among issues, there is need for effective dialogue to reach resolution in spite of differences.
Egbewole commended the university unions, adding that the mandate of any unionism is to focus on members welfare.
He therefore, enjoined SSANU to deliberate on salient issues that will bring about partnership and development of the university system.
“The leadership must be responsible staffers in thier various institutions. The way we work will determine who we are,” he said.
The vice chancellor also admonished the union to strategically engage government, not confront them.
In his address, the National Vice President (West) SSANU, Dr Abdulsobbur Salaam, lamented that Nigeria is in a season of confusion, adding that so many things are not right for the nation.
He pointed out that salaries of colleagues in Polytechnics and Colleges of Education are better and there is need to confront government on this issue.
Abdulsobbur also reminded that the government of the challenges posed as regard continuous payment through IPPIS.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of SSANU, University of Ilorin branch, Mr Naheem Falowo, emphasized the role of the union as playing a vital role in the administration, maintenance and development of institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, it is crucial that the University unions come together as a collective force to address the challenges working against members and work towards addressing the challenges, and develop strategies to address them.
High point of the programme was the commissioning of the Secretariat Complex in the university for the benefit of members.
