The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, expressed concern on Thursday over the apparent hindrance to the presidential directive regarding the removal of lecturers from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
On December 13, 2023, the government exempted tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics, from using IPPIS for staff salary and allowance payments.
This directive, announced by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during a Federal Executive Council meeting, took immediate effect.
However, ASUU noted that despite this directive, federal universities received their January 2024 salaries through what was referred to as the “new IPPS,” contrary to the presidential order.
Monday Igbafe, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Benin Zone, expressed disappointment to journalists in Benin City, Edo State, regarding this development, labeling it a direct violation of the presidential directive.
Igbafe emphasized the urgency of reverting to quarterly releases of university funds to allow for proper planning and implementation of payment schedules.
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He criticized the stagnation of university lecturers’ salaries for 15 years and the delay in finalizing and signing the renegotiated 2009 agreement, which began in 2017.
Igbafe highlighted ASUU’s efficient renegotiation process with Nimi Briggs’ committee within six months but criticized the interruption of the signing and implementation of the agreement by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.
Additionally, Igbafe criticized the underfunding of state-owned universities by the governments of Ondo and Edo States.
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He accused the Edo State Government of withholding salaries from many staff for 25 months and failing to pay arrears of check-off dues at Ambrose Ali University.
Similarly, he accused the Ondo State Government of neglecting adequate funding for Adekunle Ajasin and Olusegun Agagu Universities, describing their actions as detrimental to tertiary education.
