A New Era of Leadership and Unity
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is set to hold its much-anticipated National Delegates Conference in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the association's journey toward strengthening the voice of non-teching staff in Nigerian universities. This conference provides an essential platform for delegates from university branches across the country to converge, deliberate on key issues, and elect new leaders who will guide SSANU's mission for the coming years.
Purpose and Significance of the Conference
SSANU has long championed the rights and welfare of non-teaching staff in the university system, advocating for improved working conditions, fair treatment, and professional development opportunities. The National Delegates Conference offers members a crucial space to discuss SSANU’s future trajectory, address challenges impacting members nationwide, and set goals aligned with the union’s vision of improved welfare and conditions for all non-teaching staff.
The 2024 conference will emphasize unity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, reinforcing SSANU’s influence within Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Election of New Leaders
A key highlight of the conference will be the election of new leaders to take over SSANU’s mantle for the next 4 years. Delegates will have the opportunity to vote for candidates based on their commitment, experience, and vision for SSANU’s continued advancement. This election is expected to be particularly competitive, as each candidate brings a unique set of strengths and ideas for the betterment of the association and its members.
There is already significant support for Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, the current SSANU National President, with many members appreciating his leadership and advocacy for non-teaching staff rights. Calls for a second term reflect the positive impact he has had, and members believe that his re-election would foster continuity and further progress.
Key Issues on the Agenda
The agenda for the 2024 conference will cover several pressing issues, including:
- Salary and Allowances: Delegates will discuss the long-standing issue of fair remuneration, seeking ways to ensure that non-academic staff receive wages and allowances commensurate with their contributions to the university system.
- Career Development and Capacity Building: Investing in the professional growth of SSANU members has become increasingly important, and the conference will explore opportunities for continuous training and development, especially in digital skills, IT, and other technical areas relevant to today’s workforce demands.
- Health and Welfare Benefits: Another critical issue will be improving access to healthcare, retirement benefits, and other welfare programs essential for the well-being of SSANU members and their families.
Moving Forward with Unity and Vision
The 2024 National Delegates Conference is poised to set a new tone for SSANU, aiming to build a stronger, more resilient association that can tackle challenges effectively and uphold the values that have sustained SSANU through the years. As the delegates gather, their decisions will not only impact the present but also shape the future of non-academic staff in Nigerian universities.
The spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared vision is expected to shine throughout the conference, reaffirming SSANU’s role as a pillar of support and advocacy for non-academic university staff.