Promotion of university workers by the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) is a usurpation of the functions of governing councils of universities, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has said.
SSANU threatened to go to court for judicial intervention if the HoSF continues to direct universities on how, when and the number of persons to be promoted at any given time.
According to the varsity-based labour union, the HoSF has never been part of the promotion of universities staff. In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting hosted by the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina State, the union also lamented that over 13 federal universities are yet to be paid arrears of the new minimum wage.
The National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, who signed the communiqué, explained: “The ugly emerging trend of Federal Government’s incursion and seizing of Federal Universities Governing Council powers and functions was re-appraised on the floor of the NEC. Statutorily, Council is the highest decision-making organ in any university. Some overzealous agents are trying, however, to truncate this process.
“We now hear of circulars from the Office of the HoSF, directing universities on how, when and the number of persons that should be promoted at any given time.”
On the release of N50 billion for payment of outstanding earned allowances, SSANU said: “NEC in session deliberated on the promise of government to release the sum of N50 billion for payment of outstanding Earned Allowances to university and inter-university centres. This promise is now overdue. Government is, therefore, urged to keep to their word and not go their normal way of reneging on their promises to avoid industrial dispute in the system.”
SSANU also called on government to ensure that as a matter of urgency, pay the hazard allowances of SSANU members working in university health centres rather than selective payment being experienced currently.
“NEC in session expressed further worry over the endless fuel scarcity that has crippled many economic activities and inflicted incalculable pains on Nigerians in addition to the deplorable cash crunch being experienced.
“It is heart-rending that in spite of President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise and assurances to resolve this problem, the crisis still lingers, leaving motorists in long queues to buy fuel at different cutthroat prices and for long hours.”
