During the 44th National Executive Council meeting of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Abia State, university unions reached a consensus to set aside their differences and work together with an objective to address challenges within the education sector and enhance the well-being of their members.

The meeting was attended by representatives from SSANU, ASUU, NAAT, and NASU, including Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT, and the Chairman of NASU at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Inter-union rivalry among the four university-based unions has allowed the government to exploit divide-and-rule tactics, undermining their collective strength. A recent crisis arose from the sharing formula for the Earned Allowance, in which ASUU was accused of receiving approximately 75% of the N21 billion allocated to the unions.

Addressing the SSANU NEC, Comrade Nwokoma stressed the need for unity and synergy among the unions to effectively advocate for their rights and interests. He acknowledged that no single union could achieve the desired outcomes alone and urged all unions to work together to compel the government to address their concerns.

Professor Osodeke, the ASUU President, emphasized the need for unity in saving the university system and freeing it from external pressures. He noted that Nigerian universities were facing significant challenges and that collective action was necessary to resist policies influenced by foreign bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Comrade Ibrahim, the SSANU President, regarded the government, politicians, and those in power as a common enemy. He highlighted SSANU's opposition to inconsistent government policies that impede development in universities.

He also raised concerns about the dissolution of governing councils before their tenures were completed, emphasizing the importance of active councils for effective university functioning. Additionally, he criticized certain university authorities for deviating from their core responsibilities and allegedly engaging in contracting activities.

In his welcome address, Comrade Ogbuagu Emmanuel Elvis, the SSANU branch Chairman of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, reaffirmed the union's commitment to enhancing and sustaining the development and welfare programs for its members.