From Femi Oyelola Kaduna
The Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to put a stop to attacks and killings in the country.
Even as they threatened to resume their suspended strike action following the inability of the Federal Government to implement the agreement reached with the association in March this year.
The Union stated this in a four- point communiqué issued after the sectorial Council meeting of the association and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The communiqué which was jointly signed by the Sectorial Chairman and Secretary, Comrade (Bar) Felix Uwadiae and Comrade Ademola Olajire respectively said “the council appreciates Mr President in his efforts in fighting corruption and insurgencies.
“However, the Council implores the Federal Government to look into the issues of herdsmen killings and kidnapping in all parts of the country especially the Chibok and Dapchi School girls”.
The Council said after due deliberation on issues affecting Research Institutes and the country it resolves that: “Sequel to the failure of the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to pay twelve (12) months arrears arising from 53.37% wage increase among other agreed upon at a meeting held with JORAISU on Wednesday 7th March 2018, the Council has decided to resume the suspended strike whenever a directive is given.
“The Council in session frowns at the attitude of the Chief Executive Officers of the Research Institutes for not implementing a circular issued in 2016 and another clarification circular issued on 25th March by the office of the head of civil service of the federation on the removal of HND/BSc dichotomy.
“The Council therefore calls on the Chief Executive Officer of the Research Institutes to implement the contents of the circular with immediate effect”.
According to the communiqué, the Council also observes that “the TETFUND law is made applicable to Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education whereas by ordinary meaning of tertiary, Research Institutes, Projects and Federal Colleges of Agriculture are also tertiary institutions performing educational and training functions.
“Therefore, the Council calls on the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to include Research Institutes, Projects and Federal Colleges of Agriculture in TETFUND law”.
