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The Kogi State Government representatives have met with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Trade Unions of Tertiary Institutions owned by the State Government, with a view of addressing their grievances in order for them to suspend their industrial actions and reopen the campuses for academic activities. This is imperative to ensure the future of our students are not jeopardized and to ensure a smooth industrial relations between government and the Trade Unions.
I wish to use this opportunity to applaud the altruistic patriotism towards a better Kogi State as epitomized by the ideologies of the present administration.
Let me bring to the knowledge of the general public, a blow by blow account of government discussions with Trade Unions in order to be fully informed of efforts by both parties to ensure industrial peace on our campuses for the good of our students and our society.
Issue 1
The demand of the Joint Action Committee of our Tertiary Institutions’ Trade Unions that the Kogi State Government should jettison its decision to forcefully retire there members based on the Review Committee’s nomenclature of ‘stagnation’ on one rank for 8 years and above. These categories of staff (Professors, Chief Lecturers, etc.) are the best brains within the system. Moreover, the Law on Retirement Age for the staff of Tertiary institutions is Sacrosanct.
Resolution
Government is yet to accept this recommendation of the Review Committee hence, salaries of staff so categorized have continued to be paid till date. Furthermore, Government is aware of the position of the Laws and the provisions of the Conditions of Service of respective institutions as to retirement age. The issue will therefore be resolved.
Issue 2
That Lecturers who are currently on study leave abroad should be cleared and their salaries paid till date.
Resolution
Lecturers currently on study leave abroad who have undergone provisional screening to confirm their status as recommended by their institutions would be cleared and allowed to access their salaries pending when they physically return to the country.
Issue 3
Government should clear and pay all our members labelled “diaspora workers”, since the status of those affected can be substantiated from their superior officers. It is worthy of note that, the cashless policy of Central Bank of Nigeria encourages cash withdrawal at the point of need rather than carrying cash around. Consequently, cash withdrawal points should not be used to define “diaspora worker”.
Resolution
Innocent staff will not be unjustly classified as diaspora workers.
Issue 4
That government should give a definite date for the refund of excess tax deductions.
Resolution
A joint committee of the Board of Internal Revenue and JAC will meet between the 1st and 16th of April, 2017 to substantiate the claim of excess tax deduction and advise Government accordingly.
Issue 5
That Government’s implementation of the new tax rate in Kogi State was done without consultation with JAC contrary to the 2016 Agreement on the issue.
Resolution
Since the new rate has been implemented with respect to February salaries, Government shall suspend the implementation of the new tax rate for the month of March 2017 while the differential for the month of February 2017 will be refunded in March pending the resolution of all tax issues in April, 2017.
Issue and Resolution 6
It is hereby resolved that the following issues as it affects the institutions shall be and are hereby forwarded to the Governing Councils of the respective institutions for consideration and necessary action:
1. Payment of Earned Allowances of Non-Teaching Staff.
2. Payment of CONTISS 15 lower cadre migration and arrears.
3. Payment of 50% CONTISS arrears.
4. Payment of excess workload allowance for academic staff.
5. Implementation and payment of promotion and annual incremental step and arrears.
6. Review of edict/law establishing the Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obagende and Kogi State
College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah.
7. Implementation of Tertiary Institution Salary Structure for Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obagende and Kogi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah.
8. Substantive NBTE accreditation of the various health training department courses offered in the college.
9. Under-placement of Staff of Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba.
10. Use of Internally Generated Revenue in paying all promotions, Incremental steps and arrears.
Issue 7
Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.
a. Employment of more staff to meet the standard of a Teaching Hospital.
b. Upgrading of salary scale to the Teaching Hospital standard.
c. Constitution of Management Board for the Teaching hospital.
d. Provision of Infrastructures and equipment.
Resolution
Government has set up a Committee to look into all issues regarding this institution and report to back to it. The Committee is currently working. Parties shall await the report of the Committee.
Issue 8
Kogi State University, Anyigba
The Government is advised to audit the account of Kogi State University between 2009 and October 2015.
Resolution
This has been commissioned already and it is ongoing.
Issue 9
Government should set up Governing Councils for all Tertiary institutions in Kogi State.
Resolution
This was done in February, 2017.
Issue 10
Government should constitute and send a visitation panel to Kogi State University, Anyigba and other State owned tertiary institutions.
Resolution
The Panel for Kogi State University was set up in February, 2017 while the same Panel will be commissioned to visit other Kogi State owned tertiary institutions.
Issue 11
2015 and 2016 Employment
Resolution
With regards to 2015/2016 employment, Government’s circular No. HCS/KGS/CIR/3/V1516 dated 4/2/2016 has already suspended 2015 and 2016 employment. Government will however take a second look at these employments vis a vis a need assessment report from the Governing Council of each institution.
In the light of all the foregoing, it is hereby mutually agreed that Government and JAC shall work together with a view to moving the educational sector forward in line with the new direction agenda of Governor Yahaya Bello administration.
The Government Team was led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Edward David Onoja, while the Trade Unions’ Team was led by Comrade Boluromi S.S.
With this all important steps, it is hoped that our students will soon return to their campuses to continue the pursuit of their academic dreams.
– Fanwo Kingsley
Director General to the Governor on Media and Publicity
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