The Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Federal College of Education Special Oyo, Comrade Badmus Tolulope Adekunle, called for the inclusion of its members in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) scholarship program for non-teaching staff of tertiary institutions.
Comrade Tolulope stated this on Wednesday in his welcome address at the trade group’s regular meeting held at the Federal College of Education, Special Oyo, Oyo State.
He underscored the vital role played by non-academic staff in the functioning of educational institutions and advocated for their inclusion in further study sponsorship under the TETFUND program. He also lauded the National President, Barrister Hassan Makolo, and National General Secretary, Comrade Prince Peters Adeyemi, for their unwavering support and guidance in navigating the challenges faced by the unions at various branches.
The union leader further called for fair and equitable allocation of resources to support the educational advancement of non-teaching staff members, especially at this crucial time when entry qualifications no longer lead non-teaching staff to the peak of their careers. He also asserted that the disparity between HND and BSc holders in terms of employment opportunities and recognition remains a persistent challenge, advocating for the elimination of dichotomy to promote equal opportunities for all members, as well as prompt consideration for payment of 2022 and 2023 promotion arrears.
Comrade Badmus reiterated that high taxation on NASU members’ salaries has depleted their take-home pay and relegated workers’ living standards to an unbearable level, calling for serious concern. He commended the immense support of the Provost, Dr. R.A Salami, who is the first college product to become the Provost, and another sister Union in the college for their solidarity support towards hosting the meeting successfully.
In his goodwill message, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Dr. R.A Salami, lauded the college NASU for the epoch-making event and pledged to serve the college better while declaring himself a member of the Union.
Dr. Salami assured that he was proud to be identified with the Union be on-wardly turning to be a financial member and promised to be fair to all Unions in the college community.
Also, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Salihu Abdul Waheed Adelabu, represented by Mr. Akande, expressed delight in presenting the keynote address. He stated that holding such meetings at specific periods is a welcome idea as it allows for the assessment of activities in the previous year, challenges, and breakthroughs, which will guide better performances in subsequent years.
“Unions, either in the academic field or trade, advocate for members to enjoy a higher quality of life, make their workplaces better, and negotiate for the benefits they deserve. It is a known fact that unity is strength; thus, unions enable workers to come together as a collective voice to communicate with management about their working terms and conditions and to push for safe, fair, and decent work.
However, it is essential to appeal to union leaders to be sincere and cautious in the presentation of their demands so that their actions would not have negative effects on the institution’s peace and progress.”
Prof. Salihu added that the government of Oyo State, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, has been very proactive in handling issues concerning education, and the welfare of workers in our institutions of higher learning is not left out.
“Without mincing words, tertiary institutions in Oyo State have benefited so much from the present administration than ever before, and this has assisted the management tremendously in the smooth running of the affairs of their respective institutions,” affirmed Akande.
Present at the event were: National Deputy President of NASU who also doubles as the Nation President of the Trade group, Comrade Ogunmokun Samuel; the National Secretary of the National Trade group, Comrade Tunji Carol; Oyo state NASU Secretary Comr. Folorunsho Olubunmi, Oyo State NASU NEC Member, Comrade Ibrahim Akande; Oyo State Comptroller of Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment; NASU delegates; State Chairman NLC Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins; Dr. R.A Salami (College Provost FCE), and several others.
