MOAUM VC addresses strike, as 146 Staff receive promotions
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Moses Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), Professor Simon Terver Ubwa, has confirmed that 146 academic staff members have been promoted to associate professor and full professor positions. The promotions, which were long overdue, were a key achievement under his leadership.
In a recent meeting with members of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Professor Ubwa also highlighted significant infrastructure improvements on campus, including the provision of a water reticulation system and the installation of electrical fittings. These enhancements are intended to support academic and administrative operations.
Professor Ubwa addressed the ongoing industrial action initiated by university unions.
He clarified that while the strike was triggered by outstanding issues, including the implementation of the minimum wage, many of the unions' concerns have already been resolved.
He noted that the university's management, acting on the Council's directive, has used Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to address issues like the National Health Insurance Scheme, pensions, sundry allowances, and the promotions.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that a major point of contention remains the 35% Wage Award and the full implementation of the minimum wage, from which tertiary institutions were initially excluded. To address this, the state government formed a high-powered committee to negotiate with the university's management and council. A memorandum of understanding was subsequently reached with the unions.
Despite the progress, Professor Ubwa expressed his disappointment that the unions proceeded with the strike, declining the university council's request for a three-week grace period to finalize the resolutions.
He emphasized the importance of exhausting all negotiation channels before resorting to industrial action.
Professor Ubwa urged the public to support constructive dialogue and appealed to the unions to exercise patience for the sake of the university's stability and progress.
He underscored the need for unity to overcome the current challenges and maintain a positive working relationship between the university administration, the state government, and the unions.