By Ishola Michael
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of the 42 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State, urging security agencies to replicate the coordinated operation that led to the successful rescue of pupils kidnapped in Oyo State.
The appeal was made by the National President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Hassan Ibrahim, during his State of the Nation address at the 55th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, on Wednesday.
Ibrahim expressed concern that while the victims abducted in Oyo State had regained their freedom after an intensive rescue operation, the children kidnapped in Borno on the same day remained in captivity.
“Nobody knows their condition, whether dead or alive,” he lamented.
According to him, national development cannot be measured solely by economic indices but by the level of security, dignity and quality of life enjoyed by ordinary citizens.
He said persistent insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and communal violence, continues to threaten lives, disrupt economic activities and endanger schools, universities, highways and farming communities across the country.
Recalling the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Ibrahim noted that the victims were rescued after 56 days through a coordinated operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
He also commended the Senate for approving N50 million in support of the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the incident.
However, he said the same urgency had not been extended to the 42 children abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School and nearby homes in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
While commending the efforts that led to the Oyo rescue, Ibrahim insisted that every Nigerian child deserves equal protection.
“The life of every Nigerian child must have equal value, regardless of state, region, religion or ethnicity. What is good for one part of Nigeria must be good for all,” he said.
State Police, Campus Security
The SSANU president welcomed the passage of the State Police constitutional amendment by the National Assembly, describing it as a positive step towards decentralising policing and strengthening local security.
He, however, stressed that the proposed state police system must include constitutional safeguards to prevent its misuse against political opponents, workers, journalists and trade union leaders.
He also called on governments and university authorities to strengthen campus security through improved perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, adequate lighting, emergency communication facilities, trained personnel and closer collaboration with security agencies.
“The protection of students, workers and communities must never be treated as an optional expense,” he said.
2026 SSANU Agreement
On the recently signed 2026 Federal Government-SSANU agreement, Ibrahim described it as a landmark achievement for the union and the Nigerian university system.
He said the agreement provides for a 35 per cent salary increase, enhanced earned allowances, improved welfare packages, professional recognition and career progression opportunities up to CONTISS 15 for senior non-teaching staff.
According to him, the agreement took effect from January 1, 2026, but implementation is awaiting the release of the necessary circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
He disclosed that discussions with the commission had resolved the remaining grey areas and expressed optimism that the circular would be released shortly.
He urged all universities and inter-university centres to implement the agreement faithfully once the circular is issued, warning that lasting industrial harmony depends on respect for collective bargaining agreements.
University Funding
Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for the HOPE programme and the 2026 TETFund allocation of N2.53 billion to each public university but insisted that intervention funds should complement not replace adequate government funding.
He lamented the financial challenges confronting universities, revealing that ATBU receives less than N50 million annually for overhead costs, an amount he said is insufficient to cover even two months of electricity bills.
He also urged the Federal Government to extend its solar energy initiative to more universities, including ATBU, to reduce operational costs and improve academic activities.
He further called for greater transparency in education funding and increased investment in research facilities, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and staff development.
Workers’ Welfare
Speaking on the economy, the SSANU president noted that despite a slight decline in headline inflation, Nigerian workers continue to suffer from rising food prices and the high cost of living.
He argued that economic progress should be assessed by its impact on citizens’ welfare rather than improvements in statistical indicators.
He therefore called for policies that would protect workers’ purchasing power, improve pension benefits, expand affordable housing and transportation, and strengthen social protection programmes.
ATBU Management Commends SSANU
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, commended SSANU for choosing the university to host the NEC meeting, describing it as a reflection of the cordial relationship between the union and the institution’s management.
He praised the national leadership of SSANU for making the union more vibrant and assured members of continued collaboration to sustain industrial harmony.
Earlier, the Chairman of the SSANU ATBU Branch, Comrade Sulisma Dauda Jatau, said the cordial relationship between the union and the university management had yielded significant progress.
He disclosed that members of the union now head the Directorate of Procurement and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), expressing optimism that sustained engagement would produce more achievements.
Jatau also appreciated Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for maintaining peace and security in the state.
While acknowledging progress recorded during his seven-year tenure as branch chairman, he said challenges such as the usurpation of non-teaching staff positions, cadre conversion and career progression still require attention, expressing confidence that the ongoing review of the university’s Conditions of Service would address many of the outstanding issues.
