Filling the Leadership Vacuum in Labour Ministry
The Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to fill the vacuum created by the resignation of the former Labour Minister, Simon Lalong, since December 19, 2023.
Speaking from his office at Agbani, Enugu State, Professor Okolie emphasized that the Ministry of Labour and Employment should not be allowed to remain unoccupied because of its critical role in labor relations and national development.
He made this call during a meeting with members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU), led by the ESUT Joint Action Committee (JAC) Chairman, Comrade Okey Animba. The unions presented letters directing their members to proceed on an indefinite strike due to the non-payment of withheld salaries by the federal government for staff in federal universities.
While sympathizing with the union members, Professor Okolie stressed the importance of adhering strictly to agreements signed between the federal government and unions, urging consequences for violators to prevent further breaches.
Addressing Welfare Concerns at ESUT
In addressing ESUT Management on directives from the National Executive Councils (NEC) of SSANU and NASU, Comrade Animba, who is also the South East National Vice President of SSANU, lauded the Management of ESUT for its prompt payment of workers’ salaries and other welfare packages extended to them. He praised ESUT’s commitment to employee welfare but highlighted outstanding issues.
Comrade Animba urged the Management to clear 60% CONTISS and CONUAS arrears, along with Earned Allowance owed to union members in the University. He further called on the state government to pay ESUT staff the N25,000 wage award granted to other civil servants in Enugu State, to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
Noting that the strike is comprehensive, total, and indefinite until the government fulfills earlier agreements, he emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues. Comrade Animba also requested increased subvention from the Enugu State Government to address the rising operational costs at ESUT.
The ESUT union leaders equally called on the University Management to overhaul the security architecture within the institution due to the recent upsurge in crimes. This highlights the need for holistic support to ensure both financial and physical safety for staff and students.
With the resignation of the Labour Minister and ongoing strikes in federal universities, the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to resolve labor disputes and restore confidence in its commitments. Meanwhile, ESUT continues to set an example in labor relations, though challenges remain in addressing broader welfare and security concerns.
