A fresh wave of industrial unrest is threatening Nigeria's federal universities as non-academic staff unions have rejected the sharing formula for the N50 billion recently released by the Federal Government to settle outstanding entitlements of university workers.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has expressed strong opposition to the allocation formula that reportedly assigns 80 percent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving only 20 percent for non-teaching staff unions.

In a communiqué jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions described the formula as "lopsided and provocative," expressing "deep displeasure, outrage, and firm rejection" of the arrangement.

"We have received, with utter disappointment, the information that 80 percent of the sum has been allocated solely to ASUU, while the remaining 20 percent is expected to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and NAAT," the statement read. "This lopsided arrangement is grossly unfair, totally unacceptable, and capable of creating industrial disharmony."

The unions argued that the formula reinforces an unjust dichotomy between teaching and non-teaching staff in the university system, emphasizing that non-academic staff are not "second-class citizens" but essential contributors to the smooth functioning of Nigeria's higher education institutions.

"This is not a contest of supremacy among unions," JAC stressed. "Rather, it is about fairness, recognition, and the equitable treatment of all workers who form the backbone of the Nigerian university system."

The unions highlighted the critical roles played by non-teaching staff in administrative efficiency, technical support, research excellence, and institutional stability, warning that proceeding with the current formula could disrupt the fragile peace currently prevailing in the university system.

"It is unnecessary to remind the government of the pivotal roles played by non-teaching staff in stabilising our universities. We urge the Federal Government to review and reverse this unfair allocation," the communiqué stated.

Both SSANU and NASU have vowed to continue pressing for justice and equity, warning that they would not remain silent while their members are, in their words, "treated with disdain."

The development comes at a critical time for Nigeria's university system, which has only recently recovered from prolonged strikes that disrupted academic activities across federal institutions. Observers worry that failure to address the concerns raised by the non-academic staff unions could trigger another round of industrial actions.

As of the time of reporting, the Federal Government has not issued an official response to the unions' demands for a review of the allocation formula.