NAAT flays frequent dissolution of varsity governing councils

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has flayed frequent dissolution of university governing councils and removal of Vice Chancellors by the government.

A communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the association held at the Yakubu Gowon University, observed that most of the removal did not follow procedures.

The communique which was signed by its National President, Ibeji Nwokoma, read in part: “NAAT expresses deep concern over the trend of the rampant dissolution of duly appointed and inaugurated university governing councils, removal of vice-chancellors and the swapping of pro-chancellors by the Federal Government without recourse to the laid-down procedures as enshrined in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003.”

NAAT declared that its opposition should not be misconstrued to mean endorsement of incompetence and corruption; it stated removal must be done in strict compliance with due process.

It argued that universities are a citadel of learning where the nation’s manpower and leaders are produced, noting that frequent dissolution of Governing Councils can hamper the good management, growth and development of universities.

It added: “These include the disbursement of funds to take care of personnel cost, overhead cost, capital cost, research and development and the balance in expenditure between academic vis-a-vis non-academic activities. The attendant consequences of the above cascade down to the smooth running of laboratories, workshops and studios as well as the general welfare of Academic Technologists especially as it relates to promotions and training. These can dampen the morale of Academic Technologists and would have negative effects on their capacity to discharge their duties effectively in teaching and research.”

It explained that NAAT as a critical stakeholder in the tertiary education system cannot sit back and pay lip service to anomalies and their attendant implications on the education system.

It, therefore, advised the Federal Government always to ensure the appointment of credible and competent Nigerians into Governing Councils of Nigerian tertiary institutions and grant them a free hand to discharge their functions and exercise their responsibilities, as this will allow for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other principal officers through a credible and transparent process.

The association also expressed worries about the persistent challenges that are inhibiting the smooth payment of salary and allowances. It said the decision of the Federal Government to exempt tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) has not resolved the problem.

“Since our transition from IPPIS to Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), the current experience with this platform is better imagined. The system is characterized by delay in payment of salaries, disparity in salaries, salary shortfalls, irregular remittance of statutory and third-party deductions (especially check-off dues),” it stated.

It appealed to the relevant government agencies, specifically the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and GIFMIS, to strengthen and improve the process of payment of emoluments for effective service delivery.

On unpaid salaries, allowances as well as other unresolved issues that have been pending, NAAT demanded the immediate payment of arrears of three and a half months withheld salaries, twelve-month arrears of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, payment of arrears of wage award, national minimum wage and occupational hazard allowance, the release of enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for academic technologists for sustainable industrial harmony in Nigerian universities