University of Ibadan

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, UI, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has appealed to the workers of the premier university to show understanding with the institution’s management as it makes all efforts to solve the crisis being faced by the institution.

In a statement released by the Vice Chancellor, he said, “I write to commend all members of staff for the patience each one has exhibited with respect to issues arising from the shortfall in our personnel cost from December 2015 up till date. The management of the university and the leaders of the staff unions, namely ASUU, SSANU, NAAT and NASU, have had to meet many times to deliberate on the challenges of paying salaries in view of the short fall of the personnel costs, since December 2015 which coincided with my assumption of office as Vice – Chancellor”.

Professor Olayinka

“I have been extremely concerned, particularly because of the sharp rise in the cost of living in the country owing to several complications arising from fluctuations in the price of crude oil at the global market and diverse change of policy at the national level.

“While greatly appreciative of the pains members of staff are going through, the management of the University of Ibadan is doing everything humanly possible to alleviate the situation.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, convened an interactive session at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, on Friday, 3rd June 2016, to discuss, among other items, the issue of funding that all Federal Universities have had to contend with in recent months. The Honourable Minister, said he was aware that most of the universities have shortages in their personnel costs for some months. He added that discussion has reached conclusion stage with the Accountant General of the Federation with regards to offsetting the backlog of the shortfall and correcting the subsequent warrants of the personnel cost.

“From his assertions, we were able to deduce that the Federal Government is aware of the shortfalls in our personnel costs and making efforts to pay the arrears of shortfall in our personnel cost from December 2015 till date.

“I greatly appreciate your understanding, diligence to your various
assignments and continued support on this matter. I wish to, once again, appeal to all members of staff to continue to exercise patience on this matter.

“Efforts are also being made to resolve the recent crisis by students which led to the suspension of lectures and their being asked to vacate the campus. There is surely light at the end of this dark tunnel! Thank you and God bless”.