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Ondo Varsity, SSANU clash over alleged financial recklessness

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo State has accused the university’s management of financial mismanagement, leading to heightened tensions between the union and the administration. SSANU claims that the university allocated over ₦65 million for its 10th-anniversary celebrations while neglecting urgent staff welfare issues. These include:

Unpaid pension fund remittances for 12 months

18 months’ arrears of January 2023 wage awards

105 months’ arrears of Responsibility Allowance

Non-payment of excess workload allowances, among other concerns.

In a communiqué issued after a congress meeting, SSANU Chairman, Comrade Oluwaseyi Abayomi, criticized the expenditure as “insensitive,” especially amid ongoing economic challenges. He urged the university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, to prioritize staff welfare over what he called unnecessary spending.

“The congress condemns the plan to spend over ₦65 million on a mere 10th anniversary at a time of economic hardship,” Abayomi stated. “Management must reverse this wasteful expenditure and focus on settling outstanding staff entitlements.”

SSANU’s demands include the immediate remittance of pension arrears, implementation of the Orange Health Insurance Policy, payment of 57 months’ arrears of the 2019 minimum wage adjustment, and improvements in staff training and development. The union has also called for a boycott of the anniversary events unless their grievances are addressed.

Additionally, the union urged the university’s Governing Council to ensure accountability, particularly in the ongoing selection process for a new vice-chancellor.

In response, UNIMED’s spokesperson, Isaac Oluyi, dismissed SSANU’s claims as unfounded, accusing the union of bypassing internal conflict resolution channels. Oluyi explained that the budget for the anniversary was significantly lower than ₦65 million and that the funds were primarily allocated for developmental projects, including the opening of a new campus where the convocation will be held.

“The anniversary is not a jamboree but a strategic event designed to showcase the university’s achievements and attract support for its development,” he said, adding that the Governing Council fully supports the initiative.

The dispute underscores growing tensions over financial priorities at the university, with SSANU threatening legal action if their demands are not met.

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