ASUU Strike: Union Newly Recognised By Ngige Threatens To Sue FG Over Withheld Salaries

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has expressed its disappointment with the Federal Government, especially the Ministry of Labour and Employment, over the non-payment of its members’ withheld salaries and threatened to seek legal redress.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had presented certificates of registration to CONUA and the Nigeria Association of Medical and Dental Lecturers in Academics (NAMDA) at the peak of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in October, a move believed to be targeted at decimating ASUU’s authorities.

The president of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu in a statement issued on Tuesday said even when the government knew its members were not involved in the strike action that lasted for eight months, their salaries were being withheld.

He said the non-payment of their withheld salaries contravened Section 43 (1b) of the Trade Disputes Act CAP. T8, which states that “where any employer locks out his workers, the workers shall be entitled to wages and any other applicable remunerations for the period of the lock-out and the period of the lock-out shall not prejudicially affect any rights of the workers being rights dependent on the continuity of period of employment.”

“This provision is consistent with global best practices. From the foregoing and as a law-abiding union that pledged to do things differently, we have resolved to seek legal redress of the illegal withholding of our legitimate salaries by taking the matter to Court in consonance with the rights enshrined in our laws,” he said.

According to the statement, CONUA formally made its non-involvement in the strike known to the Federal Government in a letter addressed to Ngige in April 2022, followed by a press conference in Abuja on August 19, 2022 where it was categorically stated that CONUA was not part of any ongoing strike, and that the “No Work No Pay” principle ought not to apply to members of the union.

According to the statement, the union had written to the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Labour and Employment reminding them that it was an error to lump their members with those that declared and embarked on strike action.

“It was yet another shock for the outstanding backlog of salaries not to have been paid to our members along with the November 2022 salary,” he said.

Comments

Amb. Olufadi Bags NANS Kwara ‘Icon Of Hope’ Leadership Award

Ambassador Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba, a distinguished lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has been honored with the "Icon of hope Leadership Award" by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State Chapter. The prestigious award recognizes Olufadi's exceptional contributions to leadership, academic excellence, and his unwavering commitment to students constituency, youth development and mentorship in the state. Presenting the award on Monday December 2, NANS Kwara Delegates Comrade Sulyman Muhammed Solihu and Comrade Owolabi Barakat described Olufadi as a beacon of hope and a role model for students and young leaders. In his acceptance speech, Olufadi expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to his students and colleagues. He thanked the organizers for recognizing his efforts. Olufadi also commended the Polytechnic Management, led by the Project Rector, Dr. Abdul...

Olufadi Bags Leadership Meritorious Award in Oyo

A Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Mr. Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba has bagged an outstanding leadership award in Oyo state. The award was presented at the Annual Leadership Summit organized by the National Association of Oyo Students, Kwara State Polytechnic Chapter, at the Atiba Town Hall, Oja Akesan Oyo State. In his remark, Mr. Olufadi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Polytechnic community under the leadership of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, and the entire Oyo Students Union for the great opportunity to serve as the union Staff Adviser. “I’m delighted to see our student leaders here in Oyo state with their commitment to academic pursuit, I urge you all to be good ambassadors of the institution”. He said While presenting the award. Hon. Amuda Saliu Adeyemi, deputy Director of Finance and Supplies, Afijo Local Government Jobele congratulated Mr. Olufadi on the award, commending his commitme...

Years With Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammad In Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

By: Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba I have come across many leaders in academic institutions, each with their unique approach to leadership and innovation. But none has struck me more than the “Project Rector” of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammad. His leadership is one that not only puzzles but also inspires. Since assuming the role of Rector in 2019, his transformative efforts at Kwara State Polytechnic have become a model of how to balance infrastructure development with academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Engr. Dr. Muhammad is not just a leader in title; he is a leader by example. Often seen personally supervising projects around the polytechnic campus, he earned the title of “Project Rector” for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the polytechnic’s infrastructure. His meticulous attention to the quality of education, alongside his relentless push for modern facilities and technology integration, has elevated Kwara State Polytechnic to one o...

Search This Blog