UNIJOS VC TASKS UNIVERSITY-BASED UNIONS TO FORGE A COMMON FRONT AS UNIJOS HOSTS SSANU NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos Professor Tanko Ishaya has tasked University-based Unions to appreciate their differences and come together to advocate for the needs of their members in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is also the Chairman Committee of Vice-Chancellors, made this charge on Friday 5^th December 2025 when he received the National Executive of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) who paid him a Courtesy visit just before the commencement of the association’s National Executive Council meeting being hosted by the University of Jos.

According to him, the mandate of Universities is to create a future for the country through the mentoring of future leaders. He stated that SSANU is a core stakeholder in Universities and is confident that it will continue to show best practices in its activities. Professor Ishaya noted that the University of Jos would have been a glorified University; if not for the doggedness of the Unions on campus.

Furthermore, he noted that there is only one mandate for University managements and Unions, which is to ensure we have Universities that one will be proud of.

He pointed out that as Vice-chancellors, they have always discussed ways to work in harmony with Unions on their differences.

In his speech, the National President of the Union, Comrade Mohammad Haruna Ibrahim stated that since his election five years ago, his mission has been to take the Union to the summit despite the challenges bedeviling the nation especially in the areas of Health, Education, Agriculture and security.

In this direction, he called on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to curtail the abnormalities truncating education so that students can have a safe learning environment. Furthermore, Comrade Ibrahim condemned the recent abduction of students in schools in Niger and Kebbi States which has consequently led to the closure of schools in parts if the country.

He pointed out that SSANU acknowledges the security agencies for their commitment in rescuing the abducted students and called on the federal government to prioritize security, education and health in the country. Comrade Ibrahim noted that brain drain has put the health sector in a critical point because of low morale on members of the sector who leave the shores of the country for a better working condition and those on ground facing overwhelming work load with outdated equipment. He then called on the government to improve and update facilities and a better working condition for the workforce.

In his remark, the Unijos branch Chairman of SSANU, Comrade Anthony Timjul Joro enumerated the achievements of the Union in the University of Jos. He pointed out that they have been able to facilitate the elongation of Confidential Secretaries, Executive Officers, amongst other cadres. He stated that it was frustrating and discouraging that most senior colleagues in the Union in the University have not been participating in the activities of the union. In this vein, he called on them to address this shortcoming as this would help the Union with their constructive criticisms in reshaping the union.

He expressed appreciation to the University management especially the Registrar and Bursar who are members of the Union for creating the enabling environment for the branch to have a smooth and successful period of service to members like other unions on campus. Comrade Joro equally appreciated the Branch Executive Council and the Congress who have tirelessly worked to ensure that the Union records successes at National Executive Council meetings.

The highlights of the day was Plenary session declared open by the Vice-Chancellor where Awards were presented to the Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Sebastian S. Maimako and former Chairpersons of the Jos branch: Comrade Adeshina Akande, Comrade Barrister John Musa, Late Comrade Kefas Bise, Late Comrade Esther Jummai Ezeama, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, National President of SSANU and Comrade Danladi Aliyu, National Vice President North Central.

The National Executive Council which began on Friday 5^th December ends on Saturday 6^th December 2025.