The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Western Zone, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, held a celebration in honour of its Zonal Chairman and National Vice President, Comrade (Dr) Abdussobour Olayiwola Sallaam, marking his birthday and recognising his 20 years of unbroken service to the union.
The event, which was held virtually drew participants from across the country, featured tributes, reflections, and goodwill messages that highlighted the remarkable contributions of Dr Sallaam to SSANU and the university system in Nigeria.
A Leader Worthy of Emulation — SSANU President
In his remarks, the National President of SSANU, Comrade M. H. Ibrahim, described the Western Zone as a pacesetter that continues to raise the bar of unionism in the country.
Comrade Ibrahim praised Dr Sallaam for his commitment, consistency, and leadership over the years.
“Dr Sallaam is a cosmopolitan personality who knows how to relate with people from diverse backgrounds. He is a bridge between the old and the new, and he still has so much to offer,” he said.
Comrade Ibrahim noted that the celebrant possesses exceptional intellectual capacity and maturity, adding that he is an asset to the union with knowledge that cuts across different sectors. “He is a deep thinker who goes beyond his immediate environment. His leadership is not just a product of chance but of vision and preparedness,” he said.
The National President also reminded members that birthdays should go beyond celebration, calling for sober reflection and renewed commitment to the service of humanity. He urged members to continue supporting the SSANU leadership.
Discussants Pour Encomiums
Barrister M. A. Alfanla, Registrar of the University of Ilorin and the first discussant at the event, described Dr Sallaam as a focused individual who always “walks the talk.”
“His achievements today are not accidental but the result of years of preparation and dedication. He makes tough decisions look easy and leads with excellence and credibility,” Alfanla said.
In his own remarks, Comrade Wale Akinremi, former SSANU Chairperson at the University of Ibadan, said the Western Zone was lucky to have Dr Sallaam as its Chairman.
“He has shown deep focus on the growth of SSANU. He listens, learns, and makes informed decisions for the benefit of the union,” Akinremi said.
He also commended the celebrant’s resilience in the face of challenges. “He has been bullied, threatened, and even sacked in the course of service to the union, yet he remains undeterred. He is a man who has expended his youth in service to SSANU.”
Special Prayers and Goodwill Messages
Special prayers were led by the Chairman of SSANU, EKSU branch, Comrade Aguda, who prayed for long life, prosperity, and protection against calamity for the celebrant, alongside other union members who joined in the session.
Goodwill messages also poured in from Registrars of various universities, Zonal and National Executive members of SSANU, and other stakeholders.
Gratitude from the Celebrant
While expressing gratitude, Dr Sallaam thanked the organisers of the event for the surprise honour and the show of love.
He extended appreciation to the SSANU National President, university registrars, national and branch executive members, friends, and well-wishers who joined the celebration.
“The solidarity and shower of encomiums will spur me to reflect and do more—not only for SSANU but for humanity,” he said.
Despite being held virtually, the event was rich in emotion, filled with inspiration, and served as a renewed call to service for members and leaders of the union.
