Sincere 9gerian: ** ASUU strike: Facts of the matter

August 23, 2013 2
By WILLY EYA

For many, this is not the best of times for President Goodluck Jonathan. The challenges, facing the nation under his leadership are undoubtedly enormous.
Even the confidence of the optimist would fail him when faced with the complexity of problems, confronting the nation.

But as the president grapples with the headache of leadership, one area that has become an albatross on his neck is the education sector. As it appears, the efforts of his administration in repositioning the sector has not significantly yielded the desired result. This is even as many would argue that the problem had long been there before Jonathan came on board.

It is little wonder that Nigerians, especially parents, are worried over the protracted strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). On July 2, 2013, ASUU declared what it called, “total and indefinite strike” over issues it said had remained unresolved, pertaining to an agreement it reached with the government in 2009.

Some of the demands of ASUU include amendment of retirement age of academics on professorial cadre from 65 to 70, funding requirements for revitalisation of Nigerian universities and Federal Government assistance to state universities, payment of earned allowances, reinstatement of prematurely dissolved governing councils, transfer of Federal Government landed properties to universities, among others.

ASUU went on strike in 2006 based on request for a review of personnel matters. On account of this, government initiated a Needs Assessment of the University System, comprising federal and state universities. And determined to permanently address the issue of incessant strikes by ASUU, the negotiations led to the 2009 agreement.

The high points of the agreement and status of implementation are: Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics in Nigerian Universities CONUASS II made up of the following components; Consolidated Peculiar Allowances (CONPUAA), exclusively for university teaching staff and derived from allowances not adequately reflected or not consolidated in CONUASS; Rent as approved by the Federal Government effective, January 1, 2007 (FGN Circular SWC/S/04/S.309/1 of January 18, 2007. It should be noted that a Consolidated Salary Structure was also done for non-teaching staff too.

According to available records, this has been fully implemented; all teaching and non-teaching staff have been on the Consolidated Salary Structure since 2009.

There is also the issue of amendment of pensionable retirement age of academics in the professorial cadre. It is interesting to note that government has fully implemented this and professors now retire at 70 years while others retire at 65 instead of 60 years.

Part of the 2009 agreement is also the registration of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO). On this, government has contributed its own counterpart funding of N250million in addition to other administrative support to help theunions meet up with the mandatory deposit required for registration of PFAs.

Also, there is the Federal Government assistance to state universities.

Records show that although education is on the concurrent legislative list, government has always assisted state universities through intervention agencies.

Accordingly, the present special revitalisation programme covers both state and federal universities.

The agreement also includes the transfer of FGN landed property touniversities. On this score, government has been clear that it cannot transfer government landed property to ASUU because it has no structure to manage or maintain such property.

However, government expressed its willingness to support any university that sets up a property company with management structure to compete with others in the industry.

With regards to setting up of research and development units by companies operating in Nigeria, government also expressed willingness to encourage companies to support research. The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), is leading thisinitiative.

Another highpoint of the agreement is Revitalisation of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. On the status of implementation, there was consensus that revitalising the tertiary institutions is of critical importance to the nation.

It was also noted that when put together, the amount of funds from the budgetary and non-budgetary sources that goes into the sector is quite huge but without corresponding impact.

To arrest this trend, ASUU agreed with government to jointly undertake a needs assessment of the universities with a view to harnessing all the funds that hitherto go into the system in a haphazard manner and properly apply them to prioritised needs for maximum impact..

Sincere 9gerian: It was further agreed that these projects would also aim at expanding the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the universities so that they will be financially capable of funding their recurrent expenditure, particularly the earned allowance.

Records from the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), show that the committee has completed its work and the report has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Economic Council (NEC).

Already, the President has set up the Governor Gabriel Suswam Committee for its implementation and N100 billion has been harnessed for the committee’s disbursement and 61 universities are benefitting from this take-off programme. The expectation is that the programme will continue until the nation’s tertiary institutions wear a better look.

On the issue of earned academic allowances, it is worthy of note that traditionally, universities pay that to deserving staff but because of the amount ASUU now claims as arrears, government decided to assist the university councils to pay.

It should also be noted that government did not receive any computation of amount involved until February 2013. By this computation, ASUU is claiming N92 billion as arrears for three years’ payment based on percentage range of between 15 and 20 per cent of personnel cost.

After series of discussions involving the National Assembly, SGF, the Chairman of the Needs Assessment Report Implementation Committee, Governor Suswam, Ministers of Education, Labour and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and other stakeholders, government provided N30 billion to support the university councils in settling the earned allowances.

The amount will be disbursed to the various university councils which are in the position to knowwho is entitled to how much after verification.

Based on all of these, many believe that government has demonstrated sufficient commitment to the implementation of the 2009 FG/ASUU Agreement, contrary to claims by ASUU.

A statement of update on the agreement signed by Special Assistant (Media) to the SGF, Sam Nwaobasi, said government acknowledges the contributions of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association ofNigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other stakeholders in finding a lasting solution to the current ASUU strike.

He said Mr. President is fully committed to bringing the students back to school and appreciates the patience of parents and students as government is making every effort to revitalise the university system

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/national/ASUU-strike-facts-of-the-matter/.

takeprofit: Health workers also joining the strike at moment is also questionable. every body wants to go on strike. maybe the perceive this administration to be soft and think it can be pushed around to get any demand.

takeprofit: From another point of view, if u consider the amount of money being wasted on the national assembly and other politician, they should go ahead. the economic system of this country needs a complete overhaul.

yemi313:

[b]Niccolò Machiavelli calls men like GEJ "Corrupters", meaning: weak, lacking original character, and without charisma. Men like him are sorrounded by politicians and technocratics who soon become "spoilts", and totally "out of control", because politically, its safer to be feared, than to be loved. A politician, ASUU, and most opportunists you can name would gladly betray someone they love, and abuse his love, as weakness. GEJ is a good man, but history doesnt has a happy ending story for good generals or political leaders. Instead, they are the ones who eventually lose their heads, and who get conspired against. GEJ isnt the strong man Nigeria needs. His endless political gamble and the calibre of 'spoilt political brats and friends' in his circle is totally heart-breaking that its a far cry that something REAL and POSITIVE will ever come from such flawed and mercurial character. GEJ is a lamb, and the political jackals and hyenas around him, including Tinubu, even the Northern PDP member insulting him, ASUU, Bokoharam, name them....already smell blood. And hes going to get eaten, no matter how much you InsincereRetardian try to hype him. And for my SE brothers, this man is merely using all of you. He isnt going to hand you power....just look at him, does he even have such political strenght and courage? Better you fight hard and safe APGA from totally self-destructing, or better still, build a stronger one that truly represent your core ideals and interests[/b]

figment232: Ebe like say u 4get to swallow ur tablets 2day

yemi313:

[b]Niccolò Machiavelli calls men like GEJ "Corrupters", meaning: weak, lacking original character, and without charisma. Men like him are sorrounded by politicians and technocratics who soon become "spoilts", and totally "out of control", because politically, its safer to be feared, than to be loved. A politician, ASUU, and most opportunists you can name would gladly betray someone they love, and abuse his love, as weakness. GEJ is a good man, but history doesnt has a happy ending story for good generals or political leaders. Instead, they are the ones who eventually lose their heads, and who get conspired against. GEJ isnt the strong man Nigeria needs. His endless political gamble and the calibre of 'spoilt political brats and friends' in his circle is totally heart-breaking that its a far cry that something REAL and POSITIVE will ever come from such flawed and mercurial character. GEJ is a lamb, and the political jackals and hyenas around him, including Tinubu, even the Northern PDP member insulting him, ASUU, Bokoharam, name them....already smell blood. And hes going to get eaten, no matter how much you InsincereRetardian try to hype him. And for my SE brothers, this man is merely using all of you. He isnt going to hand you power....just look at him, does he even have such political strenght and courage? Better you fight hard and safe APGA from totally self-destructing, or better still, build a stronger one that truly represent your core ideals and interests[/b]

Sincere 9gerian:
I'm not against ASUU or any union going on strike to push govt to met certain demands but when such union insists that their demand must be met 100% before they call off strike, then something is definitely wrong. Since the agreement was signed in 2009 why didnt ASUU continue strike then until it was fulfiled 100% if that is the way to go? If every Nigerian insists on having his or her 100% or nothing, then nothing will happen in this country.

The issue of the NASS is different matter. Unfortunately, the NASS has become too powerful so much so that they can hold the president to ransome. Only the NASS can to cut down on the allowances of the NASS. If we continue to pill up the pressure on the NASS through the media, they may be forced to cut down their allowances

figment232: Ebe like say u 4get to swallow ur tablets 2day

Sincere 9gerian:
Nonsense! What Nigeria needs are strong INSTITUTIONS not strong men.

takeprofit:
But he is correct.

feelamong:

Just listen to ur self..smh!

Better tell the President to sell off one of those useless presidential jets and meet the demands of ASUU ASAP!

Sincere 9gerian:
Nonsense! What Nigeria needs are strong INSTITUTIONS not strong men.

yemi313:

What happened to your EFCC? NNPC? NPF? FERMA, PHCN and your corrupt crunched institutions?
No matter the might of your strong institutions, a weak leader destroys them all. Fool yourself all you like! Nigeria, is going nowhere with weaklings, and political babies like GEJ ontop. The country is darn too complex for political amateurs!

nuclearboy: @OP:

Are u in Nigeria at all?

You are totally insincere to suggest there's political reasons behind these strikes! What I'd expect a literate person to do is talk with people to guage what's on their minds! I was at FMC Abeokuta last week and overheard part of a conversation! It went something like "government officials are despoiling the economy, giving themselves billions and stealing the rest that meant for 170 million" one person said she saw PEJ's convoy and wondered how much was spent on fuel alone whist she bought 300 (three hundred) Naira fuel into her beat up car that morning and has to feed 5 children on a ridiculous salary! Since that conversation, the FMCs have joined the strike!

A university professor hears of a 30 mill take home for NASS members who then oppress his children (sleeping with his daughters)! He sees Mrs Jonathan in a 400 vehicle convoy, spraying money (that comes from where) on praise dancers employed to sing to her, gets stuck in traffic for 6 hours because she "wants" to leave Abuja and visit his city in PH, hears of 800 million going towards food, watched a 500 million Naira thanksgiving service for returning from the dead, knows that a table of politicians in abuja shraton will drink 2 or 3 bottles of champagne each costing 1.2 million (per bottle) with his daughter sitting on the lap of an illiterate older than himself!

Then he remembers under all this profligacy, that there is an existing agreement that will allow him provide a better life for his daughter and hold back his son from being frustrated!

But you, a govt apologist, now comes to judgement screaming "it is political and greedy" - why not ask those who drink million Naira bottles of champagne what giving up such wastage will cost them? Does PEJ need praise dancers at 10K per head wherever she goes? The ankara with GEJs face - is it her salary that paid for that? The hundreds of cars and fuel they burn - does she pay for that? Does she really need a presidential jet for "visiting" friends?

Would university professors see a tempered reasonable way of life from the first family yet request for such? Could anyone have seen Buharis lifestyle in 1984 and made such demands?

Don't blame the people asking for a better share (life)! Its the Iweala's for whom wastage applies only when its others that you should speak to! Them and your man who has taken wastage, profligacy and a culture of impunity to the point of insanity, where decency no longer applies!

Sincere 9gerian:
Nonsense! What Nigeria needs are strong INSTITUTIONS not strong men.

nuclearboy: @OP:

Are u in Nigeria at all?

You are totally insincere to suggest there's political reasons behind these strikes! What I'd expect a literate person to do is talk with people to guage what's on their minds! I was at FMC Abeokuta last week and overheard part of a conversation! It went something like "government officials are despoiling the economy, giving themselves billions and stealing the rest that meant for 170 million" one person said she saw PEJ's convoy and wondered how much was spent on fuel alone whist she bought 300 (three hundred) Naira fuel into her beat up car that morning and has to feed 5 children on a ridiculous salary! Since that conversation, the FMCs have joined the strike!

A university professor hears of a 30 mill take home for NASS members who then oppress his children (sleeping with his daughters)! He sees Mrs Jonathan in a 400 vehicle convoy, spraying money (that comes from where) on praise dancers employed to sing to her, gets stuck in traffic for 6 hours because she "wants" to leave Abuja and visit his city in PH, hears of 800 million going towards food, watched a 500 million Naira thanksgiving service for returning from the dead, knows that a table of politicians in abuja shraton will drink 2 or 3 bottles of champagne each costing 1.2 million (per bottle) with his daughter sitting on the lap of an illiterate older than himself!

Then he remembers under all this profligacy, that there is an existing agreement that will allow him provide a better life for his daughter and hold back his son from being frustrated!

But you, a govt apologist, now comes to judgement screaming "it is political and greedy" - why not ask those who drink million Naira bottles of champagne what giving up such wastage will cost them? Does PEJ need praise dancers at 10K per head wherever she goes? The ankara with GEJs face - is it her salary that paid for that? The hundreds of cars and fuel they burn - does she pay for that? Does she really need a presidential jet for "visiting" friends?

Would university professors see a tempered reasonable way of life from the first family yet request for such? Could anyone have seen Buharis lifestyle in 1984 and made such demands?

Don't blame the people asking for a better share (life)! Its the Iweala's for whom wastage applies only when its others that you should speak to! Them and your man who has taken wastage, profligacy and a culture of impunity to the point of insanity, where decency no longer applies!

yemi313:

What happened to your EFCC? NNPC? NPF? FERMA, PHCN and your corrupt crunched institutions?
No matter the might of your strong institutions, a weak leader destroys them all. Fool yourself all you like! Nigeria, is going nowhere with weaklings, and political babies like GEJ ontop. The country is darn too complex for political amateurs!