The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong call to the Federal Government, emphasizing the urgent need to release the long-standing promotion arrears owed to its members. The appeal was made following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting hosted by the University of Maiduguri.
In an official statement released on Thursday, ASUU expressed its concern about the potential disruption of industrial peace and harmony in Nigerian universities due to the pending promotion arrears. The union asserted that these arrears had accumulated as a result of discrepancies linked to the forceful implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a move that was met with resistance by academics.
NEC’s statement highlighted that despite ongoing efforts by ASUU and various university administrations, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) had not adequately addressed the issue. ASUU contended that the delay in releasing the promotion arrears was undermining the stability of the academic sector.
Furthermore, the union expressed alarm at recent revelations of employment racketeering facilitated through the controversial IPPIS. ASUU accused the system of undermining established university employment practices, in violation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003 and Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions in individual universities.
The NEC condemned what it termed “illegal appointments” sponsored by IPPIS and its agents within Nigerian public universities. The union’s stance underscores its commitment to upholding transparent and fair appointment procedures that align with the country’s regulations and educational standards.
ASUU’s call to the OAGF to immediately address the backlog of promotion arrears aims to mitigate potential disruptions to the academic environment and foster an atmosphere of stability and cooperation. The union’s statement concluded by asserting its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its members.
