Unions in the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike(MOUAU),have pledged to work with the new Vice Chancellor of the University, but stated that the unions will not hesitate to revolt,if the VC plays with the welfare of the workers.
Speaking to the press during the inauguration ceremony of the new Vice Chancellor of the university at the Anyim Pius Hall,the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non Academic Staff Union of Associated Institutions (NASU),Comr Ken Njoku, expressed optimism that Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, would move the school forward, having been part and parcel of the university.
Comr Njoku stated that the MOUAU is bedeviled with numerous challenges that have lingered from past two regimes,but expressed hope that the regime of Prof Iwe, would stir the affairs of the university in a better perspective.
He described Prof Iwe as a scholar,a seasoned administrator and a lover of God,who he believes would operate on God’s grace to surmount the challenges facing the institution.
Revealing some of the problems of the university,the unionist stated that the past two regimes under the watch of Prof Hilary Edoga and Prof Francis Otunta, could not address the issue of unpaid workers’ allowances such promotion arrears,hazard allowances,delay in promotion exercises,among others,adding that these neglects in workers’ welfare,necessitated the incessant strike actions, protests, embarked upon by the various unions of the university.
He maintained that Prof Iwe would advance the cause of the institution,since he is one of the workers in the university and also a former deputy vice chancellor of the university.
The SSANU,NASU boss advised the university community to drop any individual interest they have and roll out their unflinching support to the VC, adding that if he fails to reciprocate this gesture,the union would revolt.
Njoku, however,stated the unions’ readiness to work with him to achieve success.
