University of Africa, Toru-Orua Hosts SSANU South-South Zonal Executive Council Meeting, Women's Conference

The University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), Bayelsa State, hosted the 16th South-South Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting and Women's Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), bringing together union leaders and delegates from across the region to discuss issues affecting university workers and higher education.

The event, held on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, commenced with a courtesy visit by the national and zonal leadership of SSANU to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah.

During the visit, the union leaders commended the university's open-door policy, cordial labour-management relations and commitment to staff welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the National Vice President of SSANU and Chairman of the South-South Zone, Dr. Ugochukwu Cheta Azuma, described UAT as a model of industrial harmony, noting that grievances are resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Also speaking, a representative of the national body, Comrade Dr. Leko Ador, praised the Vice-Chancellor for promoting transparent and inclusive leadership. He also advocated improved funding for state-owned universities and called for the extension of national agreements on staff welfare to employees of state universities.

Responding, Professor Ebobrah reaffirmed that university management and labour unions are partners in building a stronger university system, adding that transparency, fairness and adherence to established regulations remain the guiding principles of his administration.

The courtesy visit was followed by the opening ceremony of the 16th SSANU South-South ZEC Meeting, where delegates deliberated on issues relating to university administration and staff welfare.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the SSANU UAT Branch, Mr. Evans Porbeni, described the conference as an important platform for:

• Policy review
• Strategic planning
• Advancement of members' welfare

Addressing participants, Professor Ebobrah described non-teaching staff as the "face of every university," noting that students' daily experiences are largely shaped by their interactions with personnel in:

• Administration
• Library
• Bursary
• Health services
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Works department
• Student Affairs

He urged university workers to see themselves as partners rather than rivals in the collective task of building a stronger university system.

Dr. Azuma also commended UAT for its growing reputation as a peaceful and progressive institution, expressing confidence that the ZEC meeting and Women's Conference would produce practical resolutions for strengthening the union and improving university administration nationwide.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to the growth of SSANU and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.

The recipients include:

• Dr. Akpoebi Adesi – Honoured as Pioneer Patron of SSANU UAT Branch for his leadership, commitment to staff welfare and contributions to higher education administration.
• Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah – Received the Servant-Leader Recognition Award for his inclusive leadership, commitment to industrial peace and efforts in transforming the university.
• Mrs. Tare-ela Darlington Abite – Recognised as a Patron of SSANU UAT Branch for promoting constructive engagement between management and staff.
• Dr. Eddy Ayekurobotaregha Umbe, FCAN – Received the Award of Recognition as Pioneer Financial Secretary and Patron of SSANU UAT Branch for his financial stewardship and longstanding service to the union.

According to the university, successfully hosting the 16th SSANU South-South Zonal Executive Council Meeting and Women's Conference reinforces UAT's growing reputation within Nigeria's university system and reflects its commitment to dialogue-driven administration, staff development and institutional excellence.