Tensions are boiling over at the University of Abuja following serious allegations against the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf. Accused of physically assaulting the union’s Treasurer, Mrs. Precious Sokari, during an executive meeting, Yusuf is now facing calls for disciplinary action from members of the union.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, July 10, during a meeting held at the SSANU Secretariat. According to eyewitnesses and insiders, the altercation followed a disagreement over the chairman’s alleged unilateral creation of 11 committees without consulting other executive members—an act some claim violates the association’s constitution and bye-laws.
“This isn’t the first time,” said one union member who preferred to remain anonymous. “Yusuf has a track record of authoritarianism. We’ve raised red flags about his behavior in the past, including a 2023 case of misappropriated allowances, but it was swept under the rug.”
Describing Yusuf as a “serial abuser,” the member emphasized the need for firm disciplinary action, warning that failure to act could erode trust among staff and encourage future misconduct.
In response to the accusations, Mr. Yusuf denied ever assaulting Mrs. Sokari, labeling the claims as politically driven and based on hearsay. He admitted that a meeting had been held to form committees for an upcoming Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting but insisted any disagreement that occurred was internal and should be resolved through proper union channels.
“Anyone not present at the meeting cannot speak with authority on what happened,” Yusuf said. “This is just another attempt to destabilize our progress.”
Despite the chairman’s denial, many within the union insist the university management must act decisively. As of press time, the institution has not released an official statement, but pressure continues to mount for a transparent investigation and swift action to ensure accountability.
The outcome of this controversy will likely shape the future of staff relations and union integrity at the University of Abuja. For many, it’s not just about one incident—it’s about restoring trust in leadership and upholding the values of fairness and respect within academic institutions.
