University administrators accuse FG of interference
Administrators in public universities have complained the federal government is interfering with the staff promotion process, thereby usurping the powers of the various governing councils on the matter.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, frowned upon the regulation of staff promotions, based on certain circulars from the head of service of the federation.
SSANU’s position is contained in a communique it issues after holding its national executive council meeting recently.
“Statutorily, Council is the highest and final decision making organ in any University. It has been observed with grave concern that some overzealous government agents are trying to truncate this process.
“For example, we now hear of circulars from HOS of the Federation, directing universities on how, when and the number of persons that should be promoted at any given time.
“It should be noted that at no time has the Head of Service been part of the promotion of staff of universities. Personnel decisions in the university system end with the Governing Councils, where a representative of the Federal Ministry of Education is also a member.
“NEC resolved that Councils of universities do their work devoid of interference by the Office of the HOS or any other agent for that matter. NEC clearly says no to the usurpation of the powers of Council in relation to the promotion of our members in universities and Inter-University Centres,” the communique signed by SSANU president Mohammed Ibrahim, said.
The university workers equally are outraged by the recent education summit, organised by the speaker, house of representatives, alleging it excluded some stakeholders.
