AAU ASUU raises concerns over SIT’s regressive impact on the institution, criticizes discriminatory salary payments.

AAU ASUU raises concerns over SIT’s regressive impact on the institution, criticizes discriminatory salary payments.ASUU AAU Ekpoma Chapter denounces selective salary payments by the University’s Special Intervention Team (SIT), expressing concern over the extended period of non-payment for certain staff members. The Union highlights the absence of disciplinary proceedings or explanations for the abrupt cessation of salaries since January 2022. It warns that the SIT’s actions have regressed the University to an era of impunity, disregarding the rule of law and demonstrating a lack of knowledge and expertise in university governance and administration.Following a Congress meeting on June 5th, 2023, the ASUU branch of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) strongly condemned the deliberate withholding of salaries from certain staff members for a period exceeding 17 months, labeling it as heartless, callous, and an unimaginable act of cruelty.

In a statement signed by Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele, Chairperson, and Dr. William Odion, Assistant Secretary of ASUU AAU Ekpoma, the Union expressed dismay at how the University’s Special Intervention Team (SIT) seemingly derived satisfaction from the suffering, victimization, repression, and oppression of staff through the unjust denial of their rightful salaries. The Union questioned if there exists any other place in the world where workers are deprived of salaries without valid reasons.

Furthermore, the Union voiced its disappointment with the University Administration’s lack of concern for staff career progression, evident in the neglect of staff appraisal and promotion since the inception of the SIT.

The Congress also expressed discontentment with the prevalence of pay-cuts as a recurring aspect of salary payment for certain staff members at the University. ASUU maintained that the SIT’s implementation of pay-cuts has disrupted the national statutory salary structure for staff at the University. The Congress urged the Visitor to the University/Governor of Edo State to intervene promptly and ensure the resolution of the salary crisis without further delay.

Additionally, the Congress criticized the recent politicization of staff disciplinary cases by the University authorities and expressed dissatisfaction with the non-procedural handling and public presentation of such cases. The Union urged the University Administration to strictly adhere to the institution’s Rules and Regulations when dealing with staff disciplinary matters.During the Congress meeting, the Union reiterated its criticism of the interim report presented by the SIT to the Edo State Government in May 2023. ASUU maintained that the report was crafted by the SIT to manipulate and blackmail academic staff, creating a false impression that the SIT was successfully “repositioning” the University while avoiding addressing the actual issues affecting the institution.

After a thorough examination of the recent increase in school fees for prospective students at the University, the Union expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of this hike. Congress emphasized that such an increment could restrict access to education not only in Edo State but also across the entire country.

The Union argued that this policy could have a detrimental impact on education and subsequently hinder the overall development of society. In response, Congress urged both the State Government and the University Administration to set school fees at levels that ensure education remains accessible and affordable for citizens, particularly those in Edo State.

end