Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), University of Cross River (UNICROSS branch), on Thursday staged a peaceful protest within the university campus in Calabar. The demonstration was held in solidarity with their colleagues in federal universities and other tertiary institutions across the country, as the unions demanded that the Federal Government fulfil its obligations under the 2009 agreement concerning workers’ welfare and entitlements.

The protest, which took place on the UNICROSS Main Campus, temporarily disrupted academic and administrative activities as union members marched across the premises, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards calling for justice and fair treatment. The unions said their action was in line with a nationwide directive from their national secretariats, aimed at drawing attention to the government’s failure to implement agreed welfare packages.

Addressing journalists during the protest, NASU Chairman, Comrade Atim Amah, accompanied by SSANU Secretary, Comrade Sunny Inaku, explained that the peaceful demonstration was meant to remind the Federal Government of its unfulfilled promises. “We are protesting in solidarity with our members in other institutions. The government should implement and honour the agreement both parties entered into so that the economic burden on our members can be reduced,” Amah said.

The union leaders reiterated that the 2009 agreement, which includes provisions for improved salaries, allowances, and working conditions, has been largely neglected by successive administrations. They urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further industrial unrest in the education sector. “We are only asking the government to do what is right. Honour the agreement and give university workers the dignity they deserve,” Inaku added.