FEC Orders Urgent Removal of Universities from IPPIS

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has directed the expedited removal of the university system from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). This decision was among the key resolutions at the council meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed the development on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956. He stated that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has been tasked with overseeing the swift execution of this directive. The move aims to resolve ongoing conflicts between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government regarding the IPPIS.

Additionally, FEC approved the establishment of the National University of Science and Technology in Abuja. This Pan-African Institute will focus on educating African scientists and technologists, marking a significant advancement in the region’s scientific and technological education.

Onanuga noted, “The council asked the Secretary of the Government of the Federation to expedite the implementation of the Council decision made months ago, separating the universities from the IPPIS platform.”

Furthermore, the council ratified the previous anticipatory approval by former President Muhammadu Buhari for the university’s establishment on May 28, 2023. This institution is the first in a series of Pan-African Institutes of Science and Technology dedicated to fostering scientific and technological expertise across Africa.

In other decisions, FEC sanctioned various contracts to enhance agriculture and infrastructure. These include:

Procurement of Agricultural Equipment: To bolster national food security, the council approved contracts for tractors, disc ploughs, ridges, trailers, and spare parts under the National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (NAMP). Aftrade DMCC, experienced in similar projects across Africa, will supply the equipment and set up an assembly plant in the second phase.

Engineering Audit in Oil and Gas: Messrs. PE Energy Limited received the contract for an engineering audit of upstream measurement equipment, to be completed in 180 days.

Advanced Declaration Solution Technology: Messrs. P-Lyne Energy Limited was awarded the contract for pre-field development studies in the oil and gas sector, also set for a 180-day completion.

Supply of Operational Vehicles: Contracts for SUVs and operational vehicles for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission were awarded to Elizade Nigeria Limited, Lanre Shittu Motors, and Vinicius Global Link Ltd.

Substation Connectors: Messrs. Maglous Enterprises Limited secured the contract to supply low and high-voltage substation connectors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Additionally, FEC approved a facility maintenance contract for the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, valued at N392 million, awarded to Julius Berger.