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JUST IN: FG exempts universities, polytechnics, others from IPPIS

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The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the exemption of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions of learning from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.It said, henceforth, remunerations to staff members of these institutions would no longer flow through the platform.The Minister of the Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.The FG reasoned that the IPPIS does not afford tertiary institutions the freedom to run their affairs, Idris said.

He explained, “Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated personnel payroll and information system. You will recall that the university authorities and others have been clamouring for exempting the universities and other tertiary institutions from this system.

“Today, the Council has graciously approved that. What that means is that going forward, the universities, as the Honorable Minister of Education has said and other tertiary institutions, the polytechnics and colleges of education will be taken off the IPPIS.

“What that means in simple language is that the university authorities and other tertiary institutions will now pay their personnel from their own end instead of relying on the IPPIS.”

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who explained the rationale for the Council’s decision, said the goal was to allow for the efficient running of public educational institutions nationwide.He argued that Wednesday’s move is not connected to the integrity of IPPIS, the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, or other similar systems advocated by various bodies.Mamman said, “Simply, the president and the Council are just concerned about the efficiency of management of the universities, and so it has nothing to do with integrity or platform options.

“The president cannot understand why Vice Chancellors should be leaving their duty post and run to Abuja to get staff enlisted on IPPIS when they get recruited.“The basic concern is that universities are governed by laws. And those laws give them autonomy in certain respects and most respects and the IPPIS has sort of eroded that autonomy granted universities is accordance with their act.”In October 2006, the FG introduced the IPPIS as one of its reform initiatives for the effective storage of personnel records, saying the move would improve transparency and accountability.IPPIS, which was expanded to cover all ministries, departments and agencies that draw personnel costs from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, has been touted by the government as a means of saving billions of Naira and improving transparency in salary payments.

However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the umbrella body for lecturers in Nigerian universities, resisted the implementation of IPPIS within universities, arguing that it undermines university autonomy and does not accommodate the unique nature of academic work.ASUU has instead proposed an alternative system called the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, which they believe better addresses the peculiarities of the university system, such as sabbatical leave, adjunct engagements and part-time contracts.ASUU and other academic unions argue that IPPIS centralisation impedes the governing councils’ ability to effectively manage personnel and payroll, affecting strategic planning and the autonomy of universities.This has led to tensions and a protracted standoff, with ASUU continuing to push for the adoption of UTAS over IPPIS, which they see as a foreign-imposed system unsuitable for the Nigerian tertiary education sector.Despite the government’s attempts to enforce IPPIS, ASUU has held firm, leading to strikes and disruptions in academic activities, including an eight-month hiatus in educational activities that ended in 2022.More details to come…

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IBEDC workers shut Ogun office, begin indefinite strike

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Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, non-remittance of pension and cooperative deductions, and the alleged dismissal of 17 staff members, among other welfare concerns.When our correspondent visited the Ogun Region office of IBEDC in Abeokuta on Thursday, employees were seen milling around while the main gate remained locked.Speaking on the development, the Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Lagos/Ogun Zone, Abiodun Shobayo said the workers had no option but to embark on the strike after months of failed negotiations with the IBEDC management.Shobayo said, “We are here this morning to say enough is enough. The IBEDC management cannot continue to take us for granted on issues we have raised for about nine months,” Shobayo said.

“For instance, our pension and cooperative deductions, running into billions of naira, have not been remitted. We are not given imprest, and workers have been using their personal funds to fix electricity faults and distribute bills.

“The management is not ready to implement the new minimum wage or even negotiate, claiming there is no money. They have also been sacking workers indiscriminately without following due process.“Seventeen of our members have already been affected, and we have said this cannot stand. We have exercised patience, but it seems the management has a hidden agenda. Just recently, 900 staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company were sacked; we do not want the same situation here.

“Seventy per cent of the workers here are casual staff, which is unacceptable. This strike is indefinite until the management sees reason. The action affects all IBEDC franchise areas, covering the six states of the South-West, as well as Kwara and Kogi.”Shobayo added that the union’s demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the reinstatement of sacked workers before any negotiations to end the strike can begin.

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Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

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Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous manufacturer in the Food & Beverages sector, has partnered the Noble Association of Social and Resourceful Editors(NASRE) Foundation to provide support for ailing journalists and widows of deceased media practitioners in the country .

This collaboration comes as part of NASRE’s ongoing efforts to assist journalists facing health challenges across the country, having embarked on three outreach programmes last year.

The NASRE team was warmly received on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by the management of Rite Foods at its Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Receiving NASRE team on behalf of the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management , Mr. Ekuma Eze was elated with the visit.

Earlier during the visit, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NASRE, Mr. Adeyemi Obadimu had outlined the foundation’s mission and the purpose of the meeting. He revealed the health and financial challenges facing most veteran journalists, who had, during their active years, served the country meritoriously, but are now struggling to survive.

Obadimu highlighted that NASRE’s outreach programme last year was a success, benefiting over 70 individuals, including journalists suffering from partial stroke, widows, and widowers of deceased practitioners . He emphasised the importance of taking care of journalists in need, especially, the veterans who have contributed greatly to the industry.

“Journalism is a thankless job, and as much as we may be appreciated in our bylines, it is crucial that we care for our colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession,” said Obadimu.

Butressing his point, the Director, Public Engagement, Mr. Bunmi Obarotimi who represented the President of the association, Mr. Femi Oyewale said: “NASRE’s intends to launch the Foundation officially in this current year and we are proud to have Rite Foods as our partner going forward.”

In his response, Ekuma Eze commended NASRE Foundation for its noble and impactful initiatives, recognising the significant difference it has made in the lives of journalists and their families. He praised the foundation’s efforts in providing assistance to over 70 journalists and their dependents last year. Eze reiterated Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being of the media community.

“At Rite Foods, we are deeply invested in contributing to the development of our society. We understand the importance of health and well-being, especially for those who dedicate their lives to sharing vital information with the public. We believe in the mission of NASRE and are committed to supporting your work in every way possible,” Eze stated.

“This partnership will go beyond just providing financial support; we are dedicated to helping create an ecosystem where journalists can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” he added.

He also spoke about the company’s long-term goals, highlighting Rite Foods’ plan to expand beyond Nigeria and into other African countries. “We have exciting plans for the future,” he added. “Rite Foods is committed to not only strengthening its footprint within Nigeria but also extending our reach to the wider African continent. We believe that our growth will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the national economy, creates job opportunities, and foster the development of the beverage and food sectors.”

Eze emphasised that Rite Foods has been actively involved in national economic development, focusing on reducing unemployment and improving service delivery. As one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage, drinks, and sausages sectors, Rite Foods remains committed to excellence in all its business operations, he said.

Through innovation, quality products, and partnerships like the one with NASRE, the company aims to continue breaking new ground in the industry.

He concluded that, “Our mission at Rite Foods is clear: to improve lives, deliver quality products, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We are proud to partner with organizations like NASRE that share our values of social responsibility and community development.”

The partnership between Rite Foods and NASRE marks a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of journalists, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to the industry receive the care and recognition they deserve.

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Public Assault; Ogun State Government Suspends Olorile of Orile-Ifo for six months

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February 03, 2025

In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.

The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.

This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.

After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.

The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.

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