SSANU Holds 16th Zonal Meeting, 3rd Women's Conference at FUT Minna

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) Branch, has hosted the 16th Regular Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting and 3rd Zonal Women's Conference of the North-Central Zone, with a call for improved staff welfare, career progression, accountability and industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.

The conference was held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the SICT Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, FUT Minna.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Abdullahi Muhammed, commended SSANU for choosing the University to host the conference and appreciated the association for honouring him with an award, describing the recognition as a collective achievement of the University community.

He acknowledged SSANU's contributions to university administration, technical services, staff welfare and institutional stability, and urged the association to strengthen digital advocacy, staff development, collaboration with other unions and accountability.

Prof. Kuta disclosed that the University was reviewing its Conditions and Scheme of Service to improve staff welfare and career progression, expressing optimism that the exercise would enhance service delivery and institutional development.

The National President of SSANU and Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, Comrade Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, commended the North-Central Zone for its achievements, particularly its transition from analogue to digital operations.

He urged members to remain committed to protecting workers' rights and promoting their welfare, while calling for peaceful relations between unions and university managements. He also emphasised transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds meant for workers.

Comrade Ibrahim further called for the settlement of outstanding staff entitlements, including the 25 and 35 per cent salary adjustments for 2023, urging the Federal Government and relevant authorities to address the issues promptly.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of SSANU, FUT Minna Branch, Comrade Edward Sunday, described the association as a strong advocate for improved conditions of service and staff welfare. He commended the University management for supporting staff advancement but appealed for the speedy review of the Conditions and Scheme of Service, payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to University Staff School workers and implementation of career progression to CONTISS 15 for non-teaching staff.

Comrade Sunday also called for respect for established career structures and the creation of appropriate directorates to improve career advancement and staff morale. He appreciated the outgoing Bursar, Dr. Mrs Hadiza Goje, for her support and cooperation with the union during her six-year tenure.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUT Minna Branch, Prof. Luqmaan Oyewobi, and the Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), FUT Minna Branch, Comrade Ayuba Ali, congratulated SSANU on the conference.

Both union leaders commended SSANU's commitment to staff welfare and called for sustained unity, collaboration and constructive engagement among staff unions and university management to strengthen industrial harmony and institutional development.

In his vote of thanks, the SSANU Branch Secretary, Comrade Aliyu Bababida, appreciated dignitaries, union leaders, participants and organisers for their contributions to the success of the meeting.

Making a presentation at the Zonal Women Conference, immediate-past Chairperson of SSANU at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Comrade Ruth Kpamor, urged women to strengthen their leadership skills, achieve financial independence and pursue continuous professional development to overcome barriers to career advancement.

In her paper titled "Women in Leadership: Building Influence, Financial Resilience and Career Growth," she emphasised integrity, confidence, effective communication, mentorship and continuous learning as essential qualities for successful women leaders. She encouraged women to develop financial literacy, cultivate a savings culture, diversify income sources and plan for retirement.

Comrade Kpamor identified gender stereotypes, workplace discrimination, limited leadership opportunities and work-life balance as major challenges facing women. She called on institutions to provide equal opportunities, strengthen mentorship programmes and support women's professional aspirations.

Photo Credit: Elijah Yisa