Release of N30bn, a positive development – NASU

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has described the release of N30bn to federal universities and inter-university centres for the payment of the first tranche of earned allowance as a positive development.

NASU made this known in a communiqué after its National Executive Council meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State on Sunday.

In the communiqué signed by its President, Mr. Ladi Iliya, and the General Secretary, Mr. Peters Adeyemi, the union also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for showing commitment to the funding of the nation’s education sector.

It however expressed concern about the alleged refusal of the Federal Government to fully implement the agreement reached with NASU for workers in research and development institutions as contained in the 2011 JORAISU/FGN document.

It insisted that unless the government fulfilled its side of the agreement, JORAISU might resume its suspended strike.

The union stated that the outstanding issues include non-payment of the outstanding 12 months arrears of CONRAISS; non-implementation of 65 years retirement age; demand for the withdrawal of circular on non-skipping of CONRAISS 10; and payment of peculiar/earned allowances.

Others are the establishment of NARICOM to coordinate research institutes; increased funding of research institutes and approval of the reviewed conditions/scheme of service.

NASU, while condemning the alleged plan by the Rivers, Bauchi, and Benue state governments to cut the salaries of workers of the state-owned establishments, also warned that such a move could worsen the labour crises in the states.

Part of the communiqué read, “NEC-in-session noted that the various agreements NASU signed with the Federal Government in respect of the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and research institutes in 2009 and 2010 have fallen due for review in accordance with the relevant sections of the agreements.

“NEC-in-session therefore called on President Jonathan to direct the constitution of the Renegotiation Teams without further delay.

“NEC-in-session, while appreciating the signing into law of the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Amendment Act, 2012 and the (Harmonisation) Act, 2012 for the polytechnic and colleges of education by the Federal Government, regretted that up to the time of the meeting, most state-owned institutions have yet to implement the Act.

“NEC-in-session therefore called on state governments to expedite action and implement the 65 years retirement age Act in favour of all the non-teaching staff in their tertiary institutions.”

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