By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
The Federal Government has directed management of the Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Ibadan to reverse the indefinite suspension order placed on four Academic Staff of the College.
New Nigerian reliably gathered that the lifting of suspension on the four lecturers was arrived at during a peace meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, 25th of October, 2016 by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development between representatives of National ASUP/ASUP-FCA Ibadan and the College Provost.
It was learnt that at the meeting,lingering issues affecting the College including the issue of suspended members who have not received salary since August, 2016 (Reinstatement and payment of missed/previous salaries) and the need for the previously suspended ones to go back to class and take over their courses and project students were critically discussed with a view to find lasting solution to them
Other issues included “immediate payment of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 conference allowances to our members (2 different years). Promotion of those that were denied or deprived of their promotions as at when due (Secretary: 2015 promotion with arrears payment, Chairman: 2016 promotion).Withdrawal of all queries relating to the crisis (9 queries in all) as well as immediate regularisation of appointment of our members to the appropriate cadre (Instructor and Agric. Engineer to Lecturing cadre upon the attainment of their Masters degree).
Reacting to the FG’s directive, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP, FCA, Ibadan lauded the government for its timely intervention with the directive, saying it will bring an end to the lingering industrial dispute in the college.
FCA Ibadan ASUP in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman Comrade Jokanola Olufemi and the Secretary, Comrade Oluade Eyitayo Atilade stated that a deadline of two weeks was also given to both parties within which the Engr. Dr. Adelekan-led Management should have commenced all the processes above while the Union should also go ahead and make an absolute withdrawal of the case pending at the National industrial court, Ibadan which the Union had initiated the process at the court.
It is on this basis that we appreciate the timely intervention of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as we shall continue to dedicate ourselves to academic and moral obligations as academic staff of the college in order to ensure that its standard and integrity are defended and continuously improved upon,”they said.
The union added “since this development, there has been a big relief to the current chaotic atmosphere that has characterized the college for months now! However, it is our believe that all disputes in the college will be brought to an end once the Engr. Dr. Adelekan-led Management complies with this directive of the Federal government. This is why we will also like to urge the necessary officers in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development not to relent on the ongoing effort to ensure that Dr Adelekan-led Management complies with the stipulated directives”.
