We Remain Committed To Staff Wellfare - EKSU Mgt

The Management and Authority of Ekiti State University restated its commitment to the welfare of its workers, contrary to the recent press conference of ASUU branch of the institution.

This was contained in a release signed by the head of the Directorate of information and Corporate Affairs of the school, Mr Bode Olofinmuagun and made available to Fountain Newsbreaker.

According to him, the authorities of the university were aware of the arrears of outstanding salaries for the months of July to September, 2018 which he said were accumulated owing to the failure of the previous government in the state to release subventions to the University as and when due. 

“It is on record that the Dr. Kayode Fayemi -led administration in the state has consistently and promptly  released the subventions to the University and EKSU, perhaps remains the state university in the South West that receives the highest subvention. Despite the dwindling financial resources in the state, the government has not reduced the subvention. 

“It should be noted  that the 14 months arrears of half salary mentioned by ASUU-EKSU predated the present administration under the leadership of Dr Kayode Fayemi. Unfortunately, the inability of the university management to meet most of its financial obligations in year 2020  was not unconnected with the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 and the national strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities in which ASUU-EKSU participated in solidarity. During this period, the internally generated revenue of the university reduced drastically as many students did not pay fees, ” he said.

The statement read further: “Despite these numerous challenges, the university,  

in the past few months, has not only been paying salaries in full, but has been paying as and when due. This would not have been possible if government has failed to release or decided to reduce the subvention.

“The leadership of ASUU-EKSU is hereby enjoined to continue to show understanding as partners in progress and shelve the planned strike action in order not to scuttle the academic calendar.

“It is hoped that with the policy of the present administration to recoup outstanding fees from students, introduction of tight control of expenditure, blockage of wastage and ensuring stable academic calendar, among others, the university would be able to earn enough revenue to cater for the welfare of staff which is of topmost priority to the University Management.”