By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has re-elected Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim for a second tenure of four years.

In a keenly contested election, Mohammed scored a total votes of 842 to defeat his challenger, Shishi Luper, who got 88 votes.

The Deputy President, Dr. Leku Ador also defeated his opponent, Dr. Aniete Ati with 611 votes against the 320 of the opponent.

The SSANU Chairman of Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri, Comrade Uchenna Nwokeji scored 617 votes to defeat his opponent, Comrade John Igboke, who got 311 votes in a tension soaked election.

Comrade Timnan Rimdap defeated two other opponents to clinch the position of National Internal Auditor.

Expressing appreciation, Comrade Mohammed said the massive support was an encouragement to do more.

He said, “I stand before you today, filled with gratitude and deep humility, as I accept the mandate you have given me to continue leading our great union, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

“This trust and responsibility you have placed in me is not taken lightly, and I am honored by your confidence in my leadership. It is an honor and privilege to embark on a second term as your National President, one that I pledge will solidify the achievements we have worked so hard to attain and carry us further into an era of lasting progress.

“This election was not just about choosing a leader; it was a testament to our collective commitment to SSANU’s core values: integrity, equity, and justice.

“Over the past four (4) years, together we have elevated SSANU to unprecedented heights. In a challenging political landscape, marked by policies often unsympathetic to workers’ rights, we have not only sustained but advanced the welfare of our members.

“Through courage, wisdom, and consistent engagement, we brought the concerns of our members to the forefront of National Labour discourse, building credibility and earning recognition as Nigeria’s leading University-based Union. I am immensely proud that SSANU now ranks highest on the Visibility Index—a testament to our collective efforts, sacrifices and determination.

“In this journey, we have transformed challenges into opportunities. Despite the many pressures on our Union, including the absence of previous financial support for National Projects, we succeeded in laying the foundation for a future of financial independence.

“Soon, we will commission a magnificent hotel edifice, an asset that not only enhances our Union’s visibility but also assures long-term benefits for every SSANU member. We achieved this without imposing a single levy on our branches—a feat that stands as a testament to the power of Efficient, Transparent and Accountable Governance.”

He said it was his priority to focus on union governance with transparency, to lead by example, and to ensure that SSANU meetings are democratic spaces where every voice matters.

“Today, I renew my dedication to SSANU’s future. I pledge to be the leader that listens, the leader that acts, and the leader that unites,” he added.