A fresh crisis is brewing in the university system as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has directed its members nationwide to refuse filling forms on a new method of payment tagged Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System.
The directive was given by the University of Ibadan branch of ASUU, through its Secretary, Dr. Deji Omole.
The method of payment has been roundly condemned in the health sector after noticeable flaws in the system.
The university lecturers have just called off a five month strike which grounded academic activities across the country.
The academic union warned NUC boss, Professor Julius Okojie to focus on facilities and infrastructures needed in universities rather than pre-occupy himself in alleged fraud-related forms.
The lecturers further cautioned the NUC not to distract them now that they were trying to cover lost grounds occasioned by the five month strike.
Declaring that the method of payment negated the principle of university autonomy agreed upon since 1992, the union said, “our attention has been drawn to an NUC Circular directing University Staff to fill IPPIS forms.
This is to remind you that the Union’s position on IPPIS has not changed. Until NEC reviews its earlier decision, no ASUU should fill the form. NEC is to discuss this issue in February and give further directive. United we bargain, divided we beg.”
Also buttressing the stance of the union, the Chairman, UI Chapter, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye said “integrated payment system does not take into consideration the peculiarity of the work of academic staff and it negates the principle of autonomy which ASUU won since 1992″.
“IPPS negates the principle of University autonomy that ASUU fought for. We are employed by our respective governing councils and not centrally by NUC. For salaries to be paid from Abuja is strange to world university system apart from the dangers inherent in it.
IPPS does not take into consideration the peculiarity of our job. Now that we are even paid by our universities, members who have problems with their salaries face difficulties before getting it resolved let alone salaries being paid from Abuja.
They are talking of ghost workers when salaries have not been paid from Abuja but somebody in front of the system in Abuja will manufacture fictitious names and pay themselves. It will give room for fraud and make life difficult for our profession and members. We say no to IPPS.”
