By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed hope in the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke stated this on Wednesday at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, during the foundation laying of ASUU NAU Guest House as well as appreciation of former EXCO and retired members.
He said the union foresaw a sharp departure as well as improved working relationship between ASUU and government under the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
He said,”We’re trying to meet with the President to ensure harmony, industrial peace and cordial relationship with the government where nobody with bad blood will lord it over the universities.
“He needs to set up a team of experts to meet with ASUU leadership and negotiate with her to ensure all loopholes that will lead to industrial action are blocked.”
He however expressed worry over what it called bureaucratic attack of Nigerian universities by the federal government.
He described as anomaly government’s undue interference in university administrations, including usurping of powers of councils, appointments and salary payments of staff members.
He said, “Our universities are under serious attack by the bureaucrats. Funny enough, many of our Vice Chancellors and Councils are dancing in that direction.
“Every university has a way it is governed. At the peak is the visitor who appoints Committee called Council which runs the finances and administrative sector of the university.
“The law stipulates that any circular from the Ministry not in tandem with the law is null. So staff appointment, salary payments are resident with the university and not the ministry.
“But when you check, salary has been taken to IPPIS against the rules. But thank God the last industrial court judgment declared it illegal.”
He commended the ASUU NAU for recognizing its past and retired members who had fought and struggled with the union during their service years, describing the honour accorded them as historic.
Earlier, ASUU-NAU Chairperson, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh said the guest house project and the second phase of Secretariat Complex were to provide accommodation for conference attendees, researchers and other visitors to the institution.
He said the facility would also serve as income generating avenue for the chapter as well as create employment for jobless youths.
He appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone for approving land for construction of the building, Directors of Physical Planning and Works Services for their solidarity, as well as building committee members for their sacrifices and professionalism.
