ASUU explains its rejection of govenment payment platforms. It says UTAS aligns with government’s position on institutional autonomy.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) explains why it rejected two payment platforms offered by the federal government. ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke explained to journalists in Abuja that the union’s position aligns with the autonomy of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
He said UTAS complies with legal provisions regarding university finances. According to him, the Governing Council should manage the university’s finances. “That’s what the law says,” Osodeke asserted. “It does not say by the Accountant General’s office.”
The union insists on using the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), which it developed as an alternative.
ASUU previously rejected the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). About 789,000 government workers across various sectors are currently on this platform. Some ASUU members are also on this platform.
The union also rejected the Government Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS). This platform was recently approved for transitioning ASUU payments starting in November.
Financial management and autonomy
Every year, the Governing Council directs the Vice Chancellor to present its budget to the National Assembly. After approval, the budget, including salaries, is sent to the President for assent. This process means that funds should be released to the Governing Council for staff payments. Osodeke wants government to uphold university autonomy, as mandated by law.
He further explained that universities need autonomy to plan for recruitment and salary payments. ASUU previously rejected IPPIS due to concerns about eroding university autonomy. The union sees the implementation of IPPIS as interfering with internal university affairs. This was seen as a violation of Section 24A of the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act 2003.
Critique of government guidelines
Osodeke criticized recent guidelines from the federal government regarding the exit of Federal Tertiary Institutions (FTIs) from IPPIS. A circular issued on October 8 by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, stated that October payrolls would still use the IPPIS platform. Starting in November, institutions were to process payrolls themselves, with verification from the OAGF’s IPPIS department.
Osodeke expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the AGF was misleading the union. He stated, “GIFMIS is still an appendage of IPPIS.” He pointed out that the verification process by the OAGF IPPIS undermines any real change. Currently, no university knows who is being paid what under IPPIS. Instances of payment to non-staff and sacked employees have been reported.
“The Vice Chancellors cannot discipline any erring official,” Osodeke stated. He stressed that even during disciplinary actions, salaries continue to be processed through IPPIS or GIFMIS.
ASUU explains misconceptions about UTAS
Osodeke addressed misconceptions surrounding ASUU’s insistence on UTAS. Some believe the union seeks to protect lecturers teaching at multiple institutions. He clarified that university establishment laws allow for adjunct and part-time teaching at two institutions, with set guidelines.
He said, “Lecturers can serve as adjuncts or part-time faculty in another university.” This practice is common worldwide. He provided an example where a knowledgeable professor could be invited to teach part-time at another university. Such arrangements typically involve allowances rather than full salaries.
Osodeke explained that sabbaticals allow lecturers to teach at different institutions. However, teaching at more than two universities breaches legal standards. He noted that UTAS rejects any lecturer exceeding this limit automatically.
ASUU exolains global rankings
Osodeke pointed out that the lack of knowledge exchange between institutions contributes to low global rankings for Nigerian universities. He contested claims by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) regarding UTAS failing integrity tests. He described UTAS as a credible platform tailored for the unique needs of Nigerian universities.
According to Osodeke, NITDA previously scored UTAS at 97.3% in an integrity test, but later recanted. He emphasized that IPPIS consistently performed poorly compared to UTAS in these assessments. He questioned the government’s insistence on using IPPIS.
ASUU’s planned strike notice over the payment platform and other issues remains active. However, the union gives the government chance to conclude discussions with the new renegotiation committee it recently set up.
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