The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has condemned the Ondo State government’s proposed establishment of another university while existing ones are underfunded and university workers owe more than ten months’ salary .
The President of SSANU-AAUA and JAC-ODSTI, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko Chapter, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, stated this in a statement he issued yesterday.
The state government had said the move was in line with the federal government’s directive that all polytechnics should become universities or affiliate with existing ones.
Briefing reporters on the development, education commissioner Femi Agagu said the polytechnic would be upgraded to the University of Science and Technology of Administration.
In his reaction, Ogungbeni said: “Let me congratulate all the members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) for successfully seeing off the year 2022, a year of torment and famine.
“We will never forget the year 2022 in a hurry. God has confirmed through the events of the year 2022 that He is our sustenance and provider.
“We are entering the new year with salary arrears ranging from four to 10 months at Ondo State tertiary institutions.
“Almost four years after the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in Nigeria, none of the tertiary institutions in our Ondo state have implemented it for their workforce. Aren’t we part of Nigeria anymore?
