The acting Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, Prof. Shedrack Gaya Best who took over the running of the affairs of the University just last week has live up to his name by giving his best. This, Prof Best did by clearing the three months outstanding salaries arrears of Academic staff. The inability of the salaries to be paid amongst other issues had seen ASUU embarked on strike which paralyzed academic activities at the state’s own citadel of learning.
Prof Best upon assumption of office said “my first assignment is to ensure proper resumption of academic activities. A university is a place for teaching, research and community work”. He emphasized that the visitor of the university, Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang directed him to ensure academic activities resume immediately
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www.pointblank.com.ng can report that immediately upon resumption, Prof Best held a meeting with Management staff. After receiving briefing from the management staff, himself alongside the Registrar of the university, Mr Yakubu Ayuba held another meeting with the leadership of ASUU. While pleading with them for more time to go sort some of their demands, he appealed to ASUU to resume academic activities in the interest of parents, students and the university as well.
The issue of the three months outstanding salaries was however emphasized by ASUU as non-negotiable. Determined to deliver on the university’s visitor’s matching order, Prof Best ensured that the outstanding salaries are cleared immediately.
One of the lectures who spoke to www.pointblank.com.ng on the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to press on-behalf of ASUU said “we expected the alerts since yesterday but it didn’t come, however, it came today”. He applauded the proactiveness of the Ag. Vice Chancellor and said it was a sign of good things to come from Prof Best.
On when academic activities will resume, he said “you know ASUU is a democratic union, leadership don’t take unilateral decision for members. Having said that, I know Congress will be conveyed next week and members will decide but I want to assure you that the strike will be suspended immediately.” He also predicted resumption of academic activities next week while the university management is given more time to attend to some of their remaining demands
When questioned further on the fate of the purported sacked workers, he said PLASU wasn’t amongst the institutions that were on recruitment suspension so he doesn’t think any of their staff was affected by that government circular. He said having secured the accreditation of so many other new programmes the new for more academic staff is even higher.
“A lecturer supervises more than 10 undergraduate students project in addition to being a member of so many committees saddled with other responsibilities. The workload has been much. I know this will definitely be discussed too on the floor of the congress. Luckily, the Ag. Vice Chancellor is coming from University of Jos and himself, he knows what ASUU has been struggling for nationwide. I know he will immediately swing into action and ensure more academic staff are recruitment”, he concluded.
