Implement White Paper With Total Honesty Nasarawa Polytechnic ASUP Chairman Tells Governing Council
Rabiu Omaku
The Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia ,Paul Useni has advised the Governing Council of the institution to as matter of importance implement both the negative and positive side of the white paper for the interest of all.
Useni in an exclusive interview with universalreporters.com.ng disclosed that the implementation of the white paper with honesty and transparency would assist in tackling some nagging issues affecting the school.
ASUP Chairman said issues affecting staff welfare ranging from implementation of pending 2015,2016,2017,2018 promotions were relegated to the background while the negative aspect of the report which monies were involved was given ardent attention.
“Issues affecting the plight of our members were thrown under the carpet while money issues were given utmost priority”.
While commenting on some of the accord reached between ASUP, the former Governing Council and management, Useni said the State government remains mute over the matter.
ARREST OF STAFF BY CID
The Chairman expressed displeasure over the recent arrest of some of his members whom he said were involved in financial scandals.
“The police invited our members and they were detained in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department and ended up bailing themselves with huge amount
Do you know that almost all of those arrested served one punishment or another ,in essence some of them were placed on half salary while others had refunded their loot, why reversing that ,the Chairman inquired”.
We ASUP are not against that, but it should be done with sincerity and transparency by compelling everybody involved to make refund but not shielding others because they hold key positions in the institution”.
LINGERING 2011 STAFF
Also fielding question on the status of 2011 staff, which was a lingering issue barely 8 years of their appointment into the system, Paul Useni said the Governing Council is on top of the matter.
He faulted the then administration of late governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma of not following due process in the appointment of 31 staff.
“I don’t blame government for her action because during the exercise no interview was conducted neither which advert were placed, not withstanding, I hope that the remaining 26 2011 staff and other appointed by the former Rector, Dr. Silas Gyar in 2017 would be integrated”.
“Almost all of the affected staff were not paid their November, December salary ,as I’m speaking I don’t know whether they were paid January salary” he added.
Paul Useni commended the Governing Council for the conduct of verification of staff.
“Huge amount was realized from the verification exercises and I’m sure it would address the issue of 2011 staff”.
ASUP Chairman however applauded the State government for approving money for the Governing Council as well commitment towards the accreditation of courses
He also faulted the State government over the quantum of challenges faced by the Polytechnic, adding that the State government pays less attention to the unfolding.
“Vast of the projects you see today are projects of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, what happened to our Internally Generated Revenue? Calling on the State government to do the needful by fulfilling all its agreement reached in previous years or risk strike action .
APPOINTMENT OF RECTOR
The Chairman said the Union would resist any attempt by the State government to appoint an outsider as the Rector of the Polytechnic.
“We have our template which specify that a Chief lecturer should be appointed not somebody from either University system
And the person to be appointed should not exceed 50-56 years of age
APPOINTMENT OF BURSAR
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic faulted the appointment of the Bursar of the institution by the State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as a breach of the law establishing the Polytechnic.
“The Bursar was appointed for a period of five years instead of the legal four years as specified in Polytechnic law”.
JOINT UNION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Paul Useni who doubles as the Chairman of Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions called on the State government to consider the plight of their members in the area of pension and gratuity.
“In Poly we serve only N1m for pension and gratuity which is not enough, all we are asking for is additional N5m for gratuity”.
