The Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education Nigeria (SSUCOEN) at the Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP) has officially transitioned to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), following the institution’s upgrade to university status.
The transition, which occurs exclusively when a College of Education attains university status, was formalized during a visit by a SSANU delegation to the institution.
Receiving the delegation at the University Council Board Room, Vice Chancellor of FUEP, Professor Noel Wannang, described the presence of SSANU at the institution as a demonstration of leadership, commitment, solidarity, and dedication to members’ welfare and the advancement of the university.
Professor Wannang noted that FUEP was built on the principles of strong unionism and assured the delegation of management’s commitment to supporting all unions on campus.
“As a unionist, alongside the Registrar, Longtong Yadok, we are committed to promoting healthy unionism and sustaining all unions within the institution,” he said.
Leading the delegation, National Vice President of SSANU, North Central Zone, Comrade Abubakar Aliyu, explained that the visit was aimed at officially establishing a new branch of the union, the 13th branch in the zone.
He commended the former SSUCOEN leadership under Comrade Hilary Katyen for ensuring a seamless transition and meeting all requirements, while also appreciating Registrar Longtong Yadok for facilitating the process.
Former SSUCOEN Chairman and now SSANU leader at FUEP, Comrade Hilary Katyen, thanked the Vice Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for union activities.
Registrar Longtong Yadok, while delivering a vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the delegation and wished the union success in its activities.
The delegation later held a congress at the University Library Board Room, where members received updates on SSANU activities and developments.
Goodwill messages were delivered by SSANU Zonal Secretary, North Central Zone, Comrade Muplang Kangpe; SSANU Chairman, University of Jos, Comrade Anthony Joro; National Internal Auditor of SSANU, Comrade Timnan Rimdap; Comrade Nansel Nimyel of PLASU; alongside contributions from Registrar Longtong Yadok and Bursar Amale Bello.
The highlight of the congress was the inauguration of a five-member caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the union for the next three years and the presentation of the union’s constitution.
The inaugurated officials include: Hilary Katyen as Chairman, Gofwen Genkat as Secretary, Ranghas Hamman as Treasurer, Grace Gora as Women Leader, and Charles Homsuk as Public Relations Officer.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Hilary Katyen thanked the national and zonal leadership for the confidence placed in his team and pledged commitment to delivering on their mandate.
Earlier, during a separate event, Professor Noel Wannang also commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, and TETFund for various interventions that have significantly transformed the institution.
The Vice Chancellor gave the commendation during the handover ceremony of the 2025 TETFund Annual Intervention Project, Lot 5, covering the renovation and upgrading of a lecture theatre.
Representing the contractors, Arc. Daniel Gwamzhi of Rhonda and Davidson Nigeria Limited, alongside Hon. Pam Dalyop and Arc. Isaac Wang of Maidal Global Services Limited, handed over the keys of the renovated facility and appreciated the university management for the opportunity to contribute to institutional development.
Remarks were delivered by Director of Procurement, Arc. Christopher Gamde; Acting Director of Works, Arc. Inuwa Joseph; and Council Member, Nde Gotep Bwirdima, while the Registrar, Longtong Yadok, delivered the vote of thanks.
