By Otitoju Femi
Management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State has constituted a committee to facilitate discussions with staff unions on the payment of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances respectively approved by the Government for federal universities.
The committee according to a statement by the university's official journal, was
chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages), Prof. Babatunde Afolabi, met with representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and National Association of Non-Teaching Staff (NANTS) at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room recently.
Addressing the union leaders, Prof. Afolabi said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, had directed the committee to engage stakeholders on the implementation of the allowances.
“The Vice-Chancellor has mandated us to interact with the unions regarding the payment of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances. Prof. Joshua Ogunwole is committed to paying all staff members their entitlements. He listens and remains deeply compassionate about staff welfare,” he disclosed.
Additionally, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, stated that the management had consulted other federal universities to study how they implemented the payment.
“Together, we will succeed. On this 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowance, we have contacted vice-chancellors of other federal universities to understand how they managed the payment, and we were informed that they funded it through their IGR,” he explained.
“We have nothing to hide. As soon as funds are available, we will commence payment. The matter will also be presented before the University Governing Council for the necessary approval,” he emphasised.
Commending the unions for sustaining industrial harmony on campus, Prof. Opoola urged them to continue supporting the administration.
“We appreciate the cooperation we have enjoyed from the unions. For the past six months, the university has experienced relative peace. We appeal to you to relay our message to your members and let them understand the financial realities confronting the institution. The Vice-Chancellor remains highly sensitive to staff welfare,” he appealed.
Responding on behalf of NAAT, the union chairman, Comrade Babafemi Olusola, described Prof. Ogunwole as a leader who keeps his promises.
“The Vice-Chancellor is a man of his word and a father who listens. He genuinely cares about staff welfare. During one of our meetings, he encouraged us to verify the issues ourselves and said he would be pleased if the allowance was eventually paid because he is also a beneficiary,” he stated.
The NASU Chairman, Comrade Ayeni, also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to staff welfare since assuming office.
“I want to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor for all he has done. He has demonstrated genuine concern for staff welfare. I pray that God grants him the resources and wisdom to facilitate the payment of the allowance,” he remarked.
In the same vein, the representative of NANTS appealed to the university management to pay the allowance in full rather than in instalments so that beneficiaries could use the money for meaningful and tangible purposes.
Similarly, the SSANU Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Faleye, praised the administration for restoring peace and mutual respect within the university community.
“Within the few months of this present administration, we thank God for the peace and mutual respect we have enjoyed. We have moved beyond the unpleasant experiences of the past, and that is worthy of appreciation,” he observed.
Comrade Faleye noted that the management had also addressed concerns relating to the placement of non-teaching staff in designated offices.
“We had challenges regarding the progression of non-teaching staff, particularly in offices meant for them. After discussions, the management agreed to reserve such offices for non-teaching staff. This demonstrates that the unions and the university management are now working together, unlike what obtained in the past,” he explained.
He further appealed to the management to ensure full payment of the allowance whenever resources were permitted.
“We are solidly behind the Vice-Chancellor. Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole will succeed.” SSANU Chair added
“The Vice-Chancellor keeps to his promises. We understand the university’s financial situation, and we know this administration is doing its best. We appreciate the transparency of the management and appeal that the allowance be paid in full. You can always count on our cooperation and support,” he said.
Also speaking, the ASUU Chairman, Comrade Fagbolagun Ojo, said all the unions shared a common commitment to supporting the administration.
“Our collective position is that all unions have a common purpose. We must continue working together to support this administration. Since the Vice-Chancellor assumed office, he has remained faithful to the promises contained in his inaugural address. We are all behind him, and we pray for him and the principal officers so that together we can celebrate success,” the ASUU Chairman emphasised.
He added that the unions would continue to stand with the Vice-Chancellor despite the institution’s financial constraints.
“Our message to the Vice-Chancellor is simple: continue your good work because we are with you. If the unions remain united in supporting him, no challenge will overwhelm his administration. We commend him for deciding to pay the allowance despite the financial challenges facing the university,” he stressed.
The ASUU Chairman also urged the management to involve the unions more in infrastructure development and project supervision.
“We want this administration to involve the unions more in the execution of building projects. Some of the existing structures are deteriorating and have become unsafe. The university has competent experts in engineering and building technology who should be consulted, while contractors handling projects should be thoroughly scrutinised,” he cautioned.
Responding, the committee chairman, Prof. Afolabi, assured the unions that the Vice-Chancellor had already begun taking steps to address concerns over the infrastructure.
“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, I appreciate all your observations and recommendations. The Vice-Chancellor is deeply concerned about the condition of some of the university’s structures and has already initiated measures to address them. The challenges observed in the Senate Building reflect broader infrastructural issues across the campuses, and the Chairman of the Governing Council has directed that FUOYE should establish and maintain its own building standards,” he assured.
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