Category Nigeria News

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in the South East Zone has urged the Federal Government to promptly address issues related to salary disparities and unpaid entitlements.

It is also asking the government to pay attention to the underfunding of universities, warning that the continued neglect of agreements could lead to a total shutdown of the nation’s university system.

These demands were made on Thursday during a Zonal Workshop themed: “Strategies for Building Formidable Union Leadership: A Practicable Approach,” which featured paper presentations on stress management and the evolving challenges of trade unionism.

The council decried the imbalance in the disbursement of the ₦50 billion earned allowance, where ₦40 billion went to one union while SSANU, NASU, and NAAT shared only ₦10 billion.

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“We are requesting that the Federal Government release at least ₦100 billion to the three non-teaching unions to make up for previous shortfalls,” ZEC declared.

The union also rejected the reported recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee, which allegedly proposed a 100% to 10% salary increase ratio between ASUU and other unions.

“SSANU South East Zone says no to salary disparity. We totally reject any implementation of the Nimi Briggs proposal,” the union stated.

The council also demanded the recommencement and conclusion of the 2009 renegotiation agreement, while cautioning the Office of the Head of Service against “attempted usurpation of statutory functions of University Governing Councils.”

ZEC raised concerns over unpaid deductions and allowances, noting that third-party deductions from withheld salaries had not been remitted by IPPIS.

“We urge the Federal Government to release these deductions immediately and pay the outstanding two months of withheld salaries, along with the ₦35,000 salary award and 12 months’ arrears of 25%/35%,” the statement read.

SSANU warned that the Federal Government’s failure to honour agreements could lead to industrial action.

“There is a growing concern and palpable fear of a total shutdown of the Nigerian university system. Nigerians should hold the Federal Government responsible if that happens,” the council warned.

Beyond university issues, the union also expressed frustration over the rising cost of living, poor infrastructure, and worsening insecurity.

The Akwa Ibom State government has declared a state of emergency in the health sector following a comprehensive review of its healthcare development roadmap.

The move, according to the government, is designed to accelerate reforms and deliver more efficient healthcare services in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting at Government House, Uyo, Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, said the emergency regime would be anchored on key directives.

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The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of the Civil Service; the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor; Honourable Commissioners; and Special Advisers.

“Under this emergency, medical facilities across the state will be further upgraded, while the recruitment portal for healthcare workers has been reopened,” Umanah explained.

“We are engaging 2,000 healthcare workers, and the requirement for voters’ identity card numbers has been waived for applicants.”

The Commissioner added that the Exco, presided over by Governor Umo Eno, also mandated reforms in medical training.

“The council directed the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, as well as the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on a contract basis,” he said.

To ensure smooth implementation, the government announced the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, drawing membership from relevant ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, the Exco also approved a supplementary budget proposal of ₦695 billion, raising the 2025 budget size to ₦1.65 trillion. Of this, ₦125.6 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦569.3 billion is allocated for capital expenditure.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered a probe into alleged fake letters issued to some applicants who applied for teaching appointments in Ondo State.

Some aggrieved applicants on Friday staged a protest in front of the Governor’s Office, Akure, the state capital, calling on the governor to investigate the alleged fake appointment letters given to them by officials of the state government.

The state government recently embarked on the recruitment of 2,000 teachers into primary and secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state, but the protesters were said to have been denied access to continue the process of formal recruitment after allegedly being issued fake appointment letters by some government officials.

But in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Saturday, the governor ordered the invitation of the concerned applicants as part of the investigation.

According to the statement, the government had already taken disciplinary action against three officials allegedly involved in the scandal.

“The attention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been drawn to reports of a protest by individuals claiming to have been denied employment during the recent recruitment of teachers by the Ondo State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board.

“To clarify, those who protested were not teachers but applicants defrauded by scammers who issued fake employment and posting letters during the recruitment exercise, after collecting money from them.

“These defrauded applicants were identified during the biometric verification process and informed that their letters were fake. Already, disciplinary action has been taken against three SUBEB insiders who allegedly connived with external individuals to defraud the applicants.”

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Adeniyan stated that over 2,000 teachers duly employed by the government for primary and secondary schools had already commenced work.

The Lagos State Government has held its 2025 Job Fair with over 5000 young job seekers, graduates, and entrepreneurs participating in the exercise.

This was revealed in a statement by the Lagos State Government on Friday.

The 2025 Job Fair also attracted more than 300 organisations across sectors, including ICT, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, media, and the creative industries.

While speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to equip Lagosians, particularly the youth, with the tools, skills, and opportunities required to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

Organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, the Governor described the event as a strong demonstration of the State Government’s resolve to build an inclusive economy where no talent is wasted and every ambition is given a chance to flourish.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the theme of this year’s fair: “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities”, directly aligns with the aspirations of Lagos youth, encouraging them to pursue careers and entrepreneurial paths that reflect their unique strengths, while contributing to the prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria.

He stressed that under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, youth empowerment remains a critical priority, highlighting ongoing investments in skills acquisition, vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship support.

On his part, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Toriola Abdulafeez, used the forum to call on stakeholders to support the State Government in implementing sustainable wealth creation programmes for the people.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, reiterated that the Job Fair is not just an event but a lifeline and a promise kept by the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The Commissioner disclosed that over 200,000 jobs have been created in the past four years through direct and indirect interventions of the Ministry. These include the Graduate Internship Placement Programme, vocational training centres, and the newly commissioned Leather Hub in Mushin, designed to turn creativity into enterprise.

He further noted that billions of naira have been disbursed through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to small businesses, start-ups, and young entrepreneurs, thereby enabling them to create more jobs.

Ajigbotafe commended the commitment of employers of labour, development partners, and technical partners such as Human Capital Partners and Intermarc for sustaining the platform and opening doors of opportunity for Lagos talent.

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In his own remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka expressed profound appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for initiatives targeted at youth empowerment and inclusive prosperity.

He also commended the Honourable Commissioner, keynote speakers, panellists, employers of labour, implementing partners, and young participants for making the 2025 Job Fair a success, adding that the Ministry will continue to provide sustainable platforms for wealth creation and decent work.

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the appointment of Comptroller Adebola Salawu as the new head of its Lagos Industrial Area Command.

Salawu succeeds Comptroller Sarah Wadinda, who retired recently after years of service.

The announcement was made on the Service’s official X handle, @CustomsNG, on Saturday.

The handover ceremony, held at the Command’s headquarters in Festac Town, was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Juliana Tomo.

According to the statement, Wadinda retired after a distinguished career and was recognised for her leadership and corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the Customs Cares project at Festac Senior Grammar School.

Under her watch, the school received a water treatment plant, an e-library, a photocopier, and refurbished toilet facilities.

“The success of this project was made possible through the collaboration and support of stakeholders,” Tomo noted.

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In her farewell remarks, Wadinda expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for entrusting her with the Command’s leadership. She also urged officers to give their full support to her successor.

Her successor, Comptroller Salawu, praised Wadinda’s achievements and pledged to build on them.