UNICAL ASUU Braces up for a fresh showdown
Barely two weeks after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Conditionally suspended its full blown nine months nationwide strike the University of Calabar Academic Staff Union Branch, ASUU UCB, is said to be warming up for another internal crisis to press home their lingering demands.
ASUU University of Calabar Chair Person, Comrade Edor J. Edor spoke with our reporter shortly on arrival in Calabar after ASUU NEC meeting at the National Secretariat Abuja where the strike was suspended recently.
He congratulated the branch for their doggedness, firm resolve and rejection of IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System) which violated the provision of the University Act, 2003.
In a statement signed by Edor and secretary Ajigo Ikuta, “the Branch Executive Committee sincerely appreciates all members of the Branch for their doggedness, courage, firm resolve, and rejection of that neo-colonialist economic contraption called, known and addressed as IPPIS. IPPIS is rejected by ASUU because it violates the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003”.
He further said “In prosecuting this strike, members have sacrificed a lot. Some suffered material deprivation, some suffered social stigmatization and exclusion, some suffered domestic traumas, some paid the supreme price”.
Responding further to some questions, the UCB Chair Person said that apart from 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement, the University of Calabar Branch is facing a lot of Challenges ranging from Non-payment of Promotion Arrears since 2015, double deduction of Pension Scheme and Non-payment for teaching Non NUC programmes and Post-Graduate supervision arrears among others.
The local branch, Unical has called on the University authority to pay those arrears, stop the double pension deductions for a smooth return to academic activities in the University and appealing also for continued cooperation with members to reposition the Branch.
When contacted, the information officer of the University, Eyo Effiong said the issues raised by ASUU have been been lingering and that the new administration would address it appropriately.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Florence Obi has approved the appointment of Mrs Atim Mensah as the Acting Bursar of the institution.
In a release issued and signed by the Registrar of the institution, Gabriel Egbe, the appointment of the acting Bursar follows the suspension of the incumbent Bursar, Mrs Beatrice Igwe for alleged financial misconduct currently being investigated.
Atim Mensah whose appointment took effect from 22nd December, 2020 is expected to be responsible to the Vice Chancellor for the day-to-day administration and control of the university.
