COEASU decries plight of COEs
The National President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Nuhu Ogirima, has decried government’s insensitivity to Nigerian workers’ welfare and the pathetic plight of colleges of education. Ogirima said it became evident that dialogue and diplomacy could not convince the federal and state governments to meaningfully solve the myriad of challenges affecting […]
COEASU National President, Nuhu Ogirima
The National President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Nuhu Ogirima, has decried government’s insensitivity to Nigerian workers’ welfare and the pathetic plight of colleges of education.
Ogirima said it became evident that dialogue and diplomacy could not convince the federal and state governments to meaningfully solve the myriad of challenges affecting colleges of education across the country.
He said, “While the union strives to stimulate its members towards re-dedicating themselves to the selfless service of humanity, notwithstanding the conditions of the workplace, it has become evident that dialogue and diplomacy are alien to government’s lexicon of labour engagement, as neither the federal nor state governments are ready to meaningfully solve the myriad of challenges besetting the COEs.”
He noted that while the organised labour had cause to support the anti-corruption fight of the present administration, government refused to reciprocate by reneging on the call for the review of the minimum wage.
Ogrima demanded for the release of funds for the payment of arrears of peculiar academic allowances owed academic members of staff since the inception of the current administration, as well as release of funds for the implementation of the reviewed report of 2014 Needs Assessment of Public Colleges of Education.
He also implored the Federal Government to make clear government’s position on the report on autonomy for colleges of education to award degree in education.
Ogrima said for decades the issues that bedevilled COEs remained unresolved despite the agitation by the union, while those of other tertiary institutions were being given attention as they emanated because the children of the elite did not subscribe to COEs.