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The Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (MOAUM), Professor Simon Terver Ubwa, has assured that both the Benue State Government and university management are working diligently to meet the demands of the institution’s striking unions. The unions embarked on strike a few days ago, citing the university’s failure to implement the new national minimum wage.
In an interaction with the Forum of Investigative Journalists in Benue State, Professor Ubwa revealed that several issues raised by the unions have been addressed through multiple meetings. He noted that the government and the university’s Governing Council have met a “reasonable number” of the unions’ demands and are willing to address the remaining ones. This effort culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the unions.
The Ag. VC expressed dismay that the unions resorted to a strike, despite the Council seeking only three weeks to resolve the matter. He lamented allegations leveled against a lecturer, Professor Timothy Ornguga, who was nominated for a state Commissioner position, stating, “Our people take pleasure in pulling other persons down. We have Senate body on ethics and their terms of reference borders on some of the things that were raised.”
Professor Ubwa clarified that the issues extend beyond the minimum wage implementation, which began being addressed in 2024. The Council had directed that issues manageable through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) be handled and paid, a directive that was complied with. Other concerns, including the National Health Insurance Scheme, pensions, payment of sundry allowances, and promotions, were also dealt with from the IGR.
The Ag. VC emphasized that all these issues were addressed, leaving the 35% Wage Award and the implementation of the minimum wage as the remaining points of contention. He explained that tertiary institutions were not included in the national committee on minimum wage negotiations and were instead given a 10% wage award, a figure he noted fell short of expectations.
To address this, the state government established a high-powered committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service, and Accountant General to meet with the Council and university management. Professor Ubwa assured that the university will initiate the process of withdrawing certificates from graduates who make false allegations against staff and the institution as a way to curb incessant false attacks.
The strike, deemed needless by the Ag. VC given the ongoing negotiations, highlights the challenges of wage implementation and labor relations at the university. Efforts continue to restore normalcy and meet the unions’ demands fully.
