News

40% Pay Rise: Crisis Looms In Varsities Over Exclusion Of Workers

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2023

There are indications that unions in the university may rise up against the Federal Government over the alleged exclusion of their members in the 40 per cent pay rise for peculiar allowance and arrears.

The Federal Government has recently commenced payment of the approved 40 percent increase for civil servants in the federal ministries, agencies and departments under the Consolidated Public Salary Structure.

But workers in the university sector have kicked against their exclusion, describing the action of the government as a recipe for crisis.

But the Federal Government has said that there is no cause for alarm as the university workers are captured in the pay rise.

The government also said that it was waiting for the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU to conclude its negotiation on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, on the condition of service with its employer, the Ministry of Education so that it would be transmitted to the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Speaking to Vanguard on Monday, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, said that the idea of denying university workers the salary increment is an invitation to crisis in the university sector..

Comrade Ibrahim accused the government of abandoning the agreement it entered into with the university unions, alleging that the N50 billion Earned Allowances the government promised to include in the 2023 budget has not seen the light of the day as workers were yet to receive any payment on that.

According to him, “This idea of denying university workers the salary increment is only a recipe for crisis in the education sector. Because government had promised two years ago that they were going to review the salaries putting in the re-negotiation committee and re-negotiations never got concluded.

“We have even lost the chairman of the re-negotiation committee. In the last one year we have not heard anything from the government and it is like everything has been halted.

“So if they were people who know what they want and I truly they were interested in developing the manpower of this country and having interest in the education sector, they should have considered making reality those promises they have made.

“There Is this N50 billion Earned Allowances which they said that have put in the 2023 budget, it has not seem the light of the day. There is a proposal for salary increment which they made and which has not also seen the light of the day.

“And now from nowhere we just heard that 40 per cent perculiar allowance has been given to the core civil servants, we are not averse to making lives of civil servants better by giving them any allowance but that the services being offered by the university workers. There won’t be any good civil servant, there won’t be any productive civil servants if the universities are not productive, if the university staff are not properly renumerated because you will be churning out half baked graduates and nobody will have any interest in employing any Nigerian graduate again.

“So the idea of excluding university workers from this salary enhancement is a recipe for disaster in the education sector. This is my position as SSANU President.

“And I want to call in the government to immediately without much delay release the N50 billion Earned Allowances and also implement the salary increment which we have been talking with them in the last two years.

“Meanwhile our organs will meet and take the necessary actions. I mean we will take the decisions that will be comnunicated to the public. But we are not happy with the government, we are not happy at all with the way they are handling the affairs of the university workers..”

However, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said that the university workers were not excluded in the pay rise, explaining that the delay in paying them was due to the inability of ASUU to conclude negotiations with its employer.

He said, “Because they (ASUU) have not concluded their Collective Bargaining with their employers, the ministry of Education. If you remember there was the Prof. (Nimi) Briggs Comnittee and that Briggs Committee reached conclusion with NAAT, SSANU and NASU.

“But there were certain observations made on the conclusion they reached with because ASUU never came for them to reach any conclusion with them. So, there were certain observations that were pointed out to education. So they will now go back to education and revalidate a new CBA and transmit immediately to salaries, income and wages. And salaries, income and wages will work on it urgently as a new CBA for condition of service and transmit to the presidential committee on salaries. We expect all this will be done within the next fortnight.”

Asked whether the commencement date to pay the 40 per cent pay rise for University workers will also be January, he responded in the affirmative.

He said, “It will commence from January because it has been captured in the 2023 budget with the present national assembly. The same will go with ASUU whenever they come back to education and accept whatever education has offered them, it will also go to salaries, income and wages commission for transmission to the presidential committee on salaries, that’s the route.

“So these other people that got their 40 per cent have been negotiating since two years or more. The Association of Senior Civil Servants, the National Civil Service Union and other related joint negotiating councils of those people, they have been negotiating. So, the 40 per cent they got took into account that they have not been having any increases with allowances before. So, it was all that the national salaries, income and wages calculated and aggregated it to 40 per cent as a peculiar allowance.

“Mark you, it is not only on salaries, it also includes their allowances. It is the entire wage structure, component of their wage, monthly wage, and annual wage that have been computed into that. Same is being done for NASU, SSANU and others.

“This time around we except CONUA and NAMDA to go into CBA for their own members”

On the complaint by SSANU that the N50 billion Earned Allowances, captured in the i2023 has not been released to them, he said: “This is what I am telling you. Even their condition of service review and everything have been captured in the 2023 budget. Not only them, the educational sector including ASUU and their allowances. These allowances are even being doubled

“There is no promise to SSANU separately, we are dealing with University unions comprehensively. It is combined. The money is more than N50 billion dedicated to the education sector. Everything has its own components, it’s more than N50 billion. For the educational sector including the Polytechnics and everybody, I think it is up to N350 billion captured in 2023 budget.”

Asked why the the money has not been released yet, Senator Ngige said, “You do one line one step. This is a fall-out of an industrial action, so we are tidying it up now starting with their condition of service of which their wage is first thing first. So it is when you do your wages that you now do extra allowances.”

News

What Tinubu Told Me And Akume At Private Meeting – Benue Gov

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday opened up on a truce-seeking meeting he held with President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The governor, who was a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme, said the President convened the meeting as part of a political solution to end the gruesome killings in the state.

Benue, a food-producing state in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, has been under heavy attacks by suspected herdsmen for some time. The killings have lingered for years, with some linking it to inter-communal conflicts as well as the quest for land dominance between the autochthonous agrarian dwellers and nomadic cattle rearers.

However, the killings in the last few weeks have been without a break. At least over 160 residents were confirmed killed in a series of attacks by suspected herdsmen who wreaked havoc in different communities in the state.

On Sunday, the President charged the governor with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.

There have been reports of perceived feud between Alia and Akume, a former governor of the state, over the control of the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Both Alia and Akume are members of the ruling party.

On Monday, Alia said the crisis must be tackled with different methods including reconciliations.

He said, “We have a complex situation that is primarily being sponsored from somewhere, being remote-controlled from somewhere.

“We would be able to contain the intra-local government and the intra-local government crises in the state.

“The problem here is the externals who come in armed with their AK-47 and their AK-49.

“I think the president is not wrong to have said that we should find a common ground for reconciliation.

“He had invited the SGF and myself because of what he was hearing out there in the public. He tried to find out whether there were some differences between us.

“The SGF himself said there were no differences between us. If they were, going forward, there would be no anxiety at all. So, the traditional institutions should go to their beds with eyes closed.”

Alia also refuted claims that the Federal Government has not come to the aid of the people of Benue State to defend them against vicious, blood-thirsty marauders.

“If he (President Bola Tinubu) didn’t have an understanding of what is going on, he won’t be giving us full support,” the governor said on the television programme.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege and then we fought it down to nine local governments. We fought it down to six and now to three. It came down because of the full support we got from the Federal Government.”

News

Obi Berates Tinubu For ‘Ignoring’ Benue, Says No Value For Human Lives

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for lack of “leadership empathy” over the recent killing of over 50 people in Benue State, as well as the recent flooding in Niger State.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi wondered why there were no presidential visits to Benue and Niger states despite the loss of lives in both incidents.

The former governor of Anambra State blamed this on a lack of competence, capacity, character and compassion on the part of the Nigerian leader.

In contrast, he gave an example of how both Indian and South African leaders were quick to visit the scene of a plane crash and flooding in their respective countries, saying that was leadership with compassion.

“Sadly, the evidence is right before our eyes. Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit, this, in a nation where the scene of the tragedy is less than an hour away by helicopter.

“Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers, were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope to the people.

“Yet, we have seen what true leadership looks like elsewhere: In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours.

“In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility.

“That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life. But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.

“That is why I insist: Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue,” Obi’s post read.

Obi also warned that Nigeria will keep facing failed leadership if citizens continue to vote along tribal lines rather than based on competence and capacity.

He maintained that where competence, capacity, character and compassion are non-existent, there is no magic one can do to improve the leadership of any nation.

“Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden. There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do.

“It’s in this line that I have always maintained that we must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country.” Further emphasising the importance of the aforementioned qualities, Obi stressed that Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them.

“Competence because Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them. Capacity because it is not a ceremonial position; it requires strength, stamina, and the mental energy to confront our complex challenges.

“And above all, leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over. But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored,” Obi added.

News

Hon. Andrew Uzamere: Redefining Legislative Representation

Published

11 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

By Anthony Osazuwa

Two years ago, Hon. Andrew Uzamere stepped into the Edo State House of Assembly as the representative of Ovia North East Constituency II.

Today, as we reflect on his journey so far, it is evident that he has brought a refreshing approach to legislative representation — one rooted in accessibility, responsiveness, and impact.

In the Edo state House of Assembly, Hon. Uzamere has consistently raised his voice for policies and legislation that benefit not only his constituency but the entire state. His participation in debates and sponsorship of motions reflect his deep commitment to education, security, youth empowerment, and community development. But beyond the chambers, it is his grassroots-driven leadership that truly distinguishes him.

From school renovations to clean water access, the evidence of his work is visible across the constituency. He facilitated the renovation of Eweka Primary School in Obagie-Uwaifiokun community and oversaw the provision of boreholes in underserved areas like Gelegele, Ite, and Iguzama — demonstrating his focus on basic yet life-changing amenities.

Education, a key pillar of his agenda, has received notable attention. He paid WAEC fees for over 500 indigent students in public schools, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship. In addition, through regular empowerment programs, hundreds of constituents — particularly women and young people — have received tools, training, and start-up support, paving the way for self-reliance and economic growth at the local level.

Despite the usual political speculation that comes with public office, Hon. Uzamere has remained unwavering in his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — the party through which he earned the mandate to serve. He has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to the party and its ideals, choosing to stay focused on delivering democratic dividends rather than being distracted by political noise.

Perhaps most commendable is his consistent presence among the people. Through town halls, constituency meetings, and day-to-day interactions, Hon. Uzamere has proven that representation is not about occupying a seat, but about staying connected to the people’s concerns and working every day to address them.

As he marks his second year in office, it is clear that Hon. Andrew Uzamere is not just holding a political position — he is redefining what it means to represent a people. With two more years ahead in his current tenure, the constituents of Ovia North East Constituency II have every reason to believe that even greater achievements lie ahead.

Here are some of the lists of projects embarked upon by Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere that have earned him the name, Mr. Projects

WATER PROJECTS – Boreholes with Generators
Provision of motorized boreholes and generating sets across communities:

1. Gelegele Community – Oduna Ward (Completed)
2.Ekewan-Waterside – Oduna Ward (Completed)
3.Iboro Community – Oduna Ward (Completed)
4.Ugbineh-Urhobo Camp – Oduna Ward (Completed)
5. Ite Community – Utoka Ward (Completed)
6.Iguzama Community – Iguoshodin Ward (Completed)
7.Igueze Community – Okada East Ward (Completed)
8.Egbeta Community – Uhen Ward (Completed)
9.Iguomo Community – Okada West Ward (Completed)
10.Okada Community – Okada West Ward (Ongoing)
11.Oduna Community – Oduna Ward (Ongoing)
12.Utese Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)
13.Olumoye Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)
14.Ugbuwe Community – Uhen Ward (Ongoing)

EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Rebuilding schools, markets, and classrooms for a better tomorrow:

Igo Community Market – Oghede Ward (Completed)

1 Block of 6 Classrooms – Emaba Primary School, Iguoshodin-Ngbemaba
→ With furniture, headmistress office and toilets (Completed)

2 Blocks of 9 Classrooms – Oghede Secondary School
→ With furniture, principal’s office & toilets (Completed)

1 Block of 6 Classrooms – Primary School, Obagie-Uwaifiokun
→ With furniture, headmaster’s office & toilets (Ongoing)

Reconstruction of 3-Classroom Block – Uhen Mixed Secondary School, Uhen Ward (Ongoing)

EDUCATION SUPPORT – Scholarship Scheme
WAEC/NECO Scholarship Programme

→ Over 200 indigent students in public secondary schools across the constituency (Completed)

SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS – End-of-Year Palliatives
Annual End-of-Year Palliatives (Since 2023)
→Distribution of bags of rice and at least 1 cow per ward across:
▪️ Oduna Ward
▪️ Utoka Ward
▪️ Iguoshodin Ward
▪️ Okada East Ward
▪️ Okada West Ward
▪️ Uhen Ward
▪️ Oghede Ward

Aimed at supporting families during the festive season (Ongoing annually)

PROJECT SUMMARY
14 Borehole Projects (9 Completed, 5 Ongoing)
5 Education & Market Projects (3 Completed, 2 Ongoing)
Scholarship Scheme (200+ Students Sponsored – Completed)
Palliatives Distributed Across All 7 Wards

Click links below to watch:

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