By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Nigeria’s Federal Government has been urged to use same techniques in rescuing the abducted school children and teachers in Oyo state to rescue the abducted Borno school children who have remained in captivity for too long.
The call was made by the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which demanded that the Federal Government should immediately secure release of the School Children in fairness to all.
National President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Hassan Ibrahim, made the call in a State of the Nation address diverted to delegates at 55th National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, on Wednesday.
In the address, he lamented that though the children were abducted same time with those in Oyo State, those have been released while those in Borno remained in captivity saying, “Nobody knows their condition, whether dead or alive.”
He said, “I begin this address with a special quotation from this speech, that “National progress must not be measured only by improving statistics, but by security, dignity, and quality of life experienced by the ordinary citizen.”
He stressed, “Comrades, no nation can achieve meaningful development when its citizens live in fear. Kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, communal violence and other forms of criminality continue to threaten lives, disrupt economic activities and endanger schools, universities, highways and farming communities.”
According to him,”The abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15th May 2026 demonstrates the seriousness of the crisis. After 56 days in captivity, the victims were rescued through an extensive operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, civil defence, Amotekun, vigilantes and local hunters.”
He added,”The Senate also approved ₦50 million, comprising ₦10 million each for the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the incident and rescue operation.”
“However, on the same day, 42 children were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School and nearby homes in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Although the Borno State Government expressed sympathy and promised to intensify rescue efforts, the children were still reported missing more than two months later, with their parents complaining of inadequate information about their whereabouts,” he added.
SSANU commended the commitment and resources devoted to the Oyo rescue, but the same urgency, national attention, security mobilisation and support must be extended to the children and families in Borno and every other affected community, stressing, ‘The life of a 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.”
The SSANU National President said, “The passage of the State Police constitutional amendment by the National Assembly is an important step towards decentralising policing and improving local security responses. However, it still requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly and presidential assent before becoming law.”
He said that, “Strong constitutional safeguards must also be provided to prevent state police from being misused against political opponents, workers, journalists and trade union leaders. At the same time, government and university managements must strengthen campus security through perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, adequate lighting, emergency communication facilities, trained personnel and effective collaboration with national security agencies.”
He said that, The protection of students, workers and communities must never be treated as an optional expense. This meeting gives us an opportunity to review the affairs of our union and the broader economic, political, security, and social conditions affecting our members and Nigerians generally.”
He stressed that, “While SSANU remains committed to constructive engagement and national development, we must continue to acknowledge progress, speak honestly about the hardships and injustices, and offer practical solutions that strengthen our institutions and improve the lives of our people.”
On SSANU and the 2026 agreement and the future of university education in Nigeria, he said, “Comrades, the signing of the 2026 NNU-SANU agreement on the 29th of June 2026 was a major achievement for our union and the Nigerian university system in general. The agreement provides for improved remuneration, welfare, training, professional recognition, and career progression for the senior non-teaching staff, including a 35% upward review of emoluments. . If you like, add it, plus including courtesy of the board, enhanced earned allowances and progression opportunities up to CONTISS 15.”
He stressed that,”Universities cannot function effectively without contributions of the registry, bursary, audit, ICT, library, laboratory, engineering, health, security, and other professional non-teaching personnel. Their welfare and professional development are therefore essential to the stability and advancement of the university system.”
According to him,”Although the agreement took effect from 1st January 2026, full implementation awaits the necessary circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which is on its way. As at this morning, I got a call from the Secretary of the National Salaries and Incomes Commission, Wages Commission, confirming certain grey areas before the signing. So any moment from now, we are good to go.”
He added that, “Upon release, universities and inter-university centers must implement the agreement fully, transparently, and without discrimination or dilution of negotiated benefits. The Agreement Implementation Monitoring Committee should also be activated immediately the circular is out, with full sign of participation to ensure uniform compliance and to address violations. Lasting industrial harmony depends on respect for collective bargaining and the faithful implementation of this agreement.”
On funding, quality, and access to education, he said, *The hope aid program of the federal government and the 2026 TETFund allocation of N2.53 billion to each public university is indeed a commendable effort by the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, TETFund is supplementary and must not replace adequate government funding, regular budgetary releases, or the fulfillment of the N1.3 trillion university revitalization commitment.”
He disclosed that,”Just this morning while at the Vice-Chancellor’s courtesy call, he told us how difficult it is for universities to even pay for electricity bills. This university does not get more than N50 million the whole year for its overhead. And that is just less than what it will pay for its electricity for two months. So you can imagine the gap and the struggle they will have to go through to source for funds to pay for electricity.”
“While commending the federal government once again for institutionalizing the solar farm in selected universities. Because I know that for example in my own university in Yola, the issue of electricity is no longer an issue. We have 24 hours electricity. Bauchi should not be an exception. Being a university of technology, Bauchi should also have access to this and many of our public universities. Indeed, all our public universities, both state and federal, should be able to have this as something that will complement and allow them do this work,” he added.
Mohammed Hassan added that,
“Government should provide a transparent account of funds released, projects completed and outstanding obligations. Universities also require reliable electricity, modern laboratories, research facilities, digital infrastructure, cyber security, and qualified personnel. Digital transformation should promote efficiency and staff development, not job losses or casualization. Sanu will never accept that.”
On economic conditions and the cost of living of the Nigerian people, he said, “Comrades, the economic condition of Nigerian workers remains difficult despite the marginal decline in headline inflation from 15.93% in May to 15.91% in June 2026. Food inflation rather increased from 16.9% in May to 17.52% in June, while food, accommodation services, and transportation remain a major contributor to the rising cost of living of our working populace.”
According to him,”That’s why we had to single out a special commendation for this Vice Chancellor for revitalizing the amoribund buses to be able to allow their members of staff to commute from Gubi to Yelwa campus. This is something that has eased a lot of wahala for our members. Thank you, Mr. Vice-Chancellor.”
He said that,”The figures will not mean that prices have fallen. Workers continue to suffer a sustained loss of purchasing power, making food, housing, transportation, electricity, healthcare, and education increasingly difficult to afford. Economic progress must therefore be measured by its practical impact on citizens, not merely by improvements in national statistics.”
SSANU also called for policies that protect the real value of wages, improve pension benefits, expand affordable housing and transportation, and strengthen social protection for vulnerable households.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Prof Ibrahim Garba, commended SSANU for choosing the University to host the meeting stressing that it demonstrates the cordially between the branch SSANU and the Management.
He further commended the National President for an impactful leadership of the Association which has positively made it vibrant and more visible across the country.
The VC assured that the University management will continue to collaborate with SSANU and other unions in order to have a smooth academic environment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the ATBU Branch Chairman, Comrade Sulisma Dauda, stressed that the cordial relationship that exists between SSANU and the University Management has yielded a lot of progress.
According to him, “We want to inform this gathering that our members have started to cccupy the rightful positions required, as of recent under the leadership of this Team. Two Directorates have been occupied by our members, i.e. Directorate of Procurement and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). With the present Struggle, and meaningful engagement more success will be achieved.”
He also extend the profound gratitude of SSANU to the Governor, Sen. Dr. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his continuous support and the Security architecture of the whole State saying, “He has made sure that the State continue to be secured and peaceful.*
“Comrades, our strength is in our Unity, we must shun parochial interest and sentiments. SSANU is one family. \When we stand together, our voice becomes louder and our demands will be taken seriously by both
Government and Management. Let us continue to uphold the tenets of solidarity, transparency and accountability which has been the watch word of our dear President,” he stressed.
Sulisma Dauda Jatau stressed that,”Despite the successes recorded by this administration, the Branch is not without its challenges. Few among
these are usurpation of Non-Teaching Staff positions.
The Challenge of change of Cadre and Career Progression among some Staff as well as
Directorates. Even though most of these challenges are being addressed in the ongoing review of the University Condition/Scheme of Services for Senior Staff, we hope that the Exercise will be crowned with
a resounding success.”
He added, “Comrades, the last Seven years of being the Chairperson of SSANU ATBU Branch have been a worthwhile experience with a mix bags of gains, pains and possibilities. Nevertheless , being the Chairperson is a privilege and a rare opportunity. I, on behalf of my EXCOS do hereby express our profound gratitude to the University Governing Council,
Management, Staff and Students and especially our Congress members for their awesome Support and understanding, the implicit Confidence you have reposed on us will not be toyed with nor taken for granted.
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