09/07/2026
𝐔𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐔 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇-𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐙𝐎𝐍𝐄
The University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) came alive on Tuesday 7th July, 2026 with goodwill, and commendations as the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) held its 16th South-South Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) Meeting and Women's Conference at the institution.
The event began with a courtesy visit by the SSANU national and zonal leadership to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, where union leaders praised the University's open-door policy, cordial labour-management relations, and commitment to staff welfare. Speaking during the boardroom discussions, head of the SSANU delegation Dr. Ugochukwu Cheta Azuma, National Vice President and Chairman of the South-South Zone, described UAT as a model of industrial harmony, noting that grievances are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Representative of the national body, Comrade Dr. Leko Ador commended the Vice-Chancellor for fostering a transparent and inclusive administration, while also advocating improved funding for state-owned universities and the extension of national agreements on staff welfare to state university employees.
In his response, Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Solomon Ebobrah reaffirmed his belief that management and unions are partners in building a stronger university system. He emphasized that transparency, fairness, and adherence to established regulations remain the guiding principles of his administration.
The courtesy visit flowed into the opening ceremony of the 16th SSANU South-South ZEC Meeting, where delegates from across the region gathered to deliberate on issues affecting university workers and the higher education sector. In his welcome address, the Chairman of SSANU UAT Branch, Mr. Evans Porbeni described the conference as a critical platform for policy review, strategic planning, and the advancement of members' welfare.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Vice Chancellor UAT, Professor Ebobrah reiterated that non-teaching staff remain the "face of every university" because students' daily experiences are largely shaped by their interactions with administrative, library, bursary, health, ICT, works, and student affairs personnel. He urged all university workers to see themselves as partners rather than rivals in the collective responsibility of building the future.
Similarly, the SSANU National Vice President and South-South Zonal Chairman Dr. Azumah commended UAT for its growing reputation as a peaceful and progressive institution and expressed confidence that the ZEC meeting and Women Conference would produce practical resolutions for strengthening the union and improving university administration nationwide.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of awards on individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth of SSANU and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.
Dr. Akpoebi Adesi, immediate past Registrar of the University and a key figure in the establishment and development of the SSANU UAT Branch, was honoured as the Pioneer Patron of SSANU UAT Branch in recognition of his exemplary leadership, support for staff welfare, and outstanding contributions to higher education administration.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, received the Servant-Leader Recognition Award for his inclusive leadership style, commitment to industrial peace, and efforts toward the rapid growth and transformation of the University.
The current Registrar, Mrs. Tare-ela Darlington Abite, was formally recognized as a Patron of the Association for her support of the union and her role in promoting constructive engagement between management and staff.
Also honoured was Dr. Eddy Ayekurobotaregha Umbe FCAN, the University's Bursar, who received an Award of Recognition as the Pioneer Financial Secretary and Patron of SSANU UAT Branch for his dedication, financial stewardship, and longstanding contributions to the growth of the union.
For the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, the successful hosting of the 16th SSANU South-South Zonal Executive Council Meeting and Women Conference not only reinforced its growing stature within the Nigerian university system but also highlighted its commitment to dialogue-driven administration, staff development, and institutional excellence.
𝑨𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒂, 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒆-𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒚𝒆𝒇𝒂 𝑨𝒎𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒓
𝑨𝒈. 𝑷𝑹𝑶
𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂, 𝑻𝒐𝒓𝒖-𝑶𝒓𝒖𝒂
staff association of nigerian universities
