VC ADVISES ASUU-FUNAI TO JOIN HANDS DEVELOP THE YOUNG UNIVERSITY
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUNAI branch, to join hands in developing the young university into a world-class standard.
Professor Nwajiuba who gave the charge when the Union’s pro tem executive, led by its interim chairman, Dr. Ogugua Egwu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, urged them to put on their thinking caps to plan, initiate and execute programmes aimed at uplifting the standard of scholarship in FUNAI.
The Vice- Chancellor reminded the union that strike action had become old-fashioned in settling industrial disputes as the lecturers were usually at a disadvantage in the end, adding that they should devise better means of drawing attention to unsettled issues.
Prof. Nwajiuba stated that if ASUU went on strike shortly before examination, they would usually come back to start from where they stopped and even add more by teaching what they had taught before as revision. “There are other better ways of drawing the attention of authorities to your plight”, the VC counselled.
He advised ASUU and other trade unions to have the interest of their members at heart by investing in meaningful ventures and partnering with the University in the provision of amenities for the overall benefit of all.
On the challenges facing ASUU-FUNAI, the Vice-Chancellor noted that once the on-going constructions were completed, they would be provided with staff offices and secretariat and later with vehicle, while the issue of their promotion would be looked into.
He added that the university would soon be provided with road networks and residential quarters, while plans were underway for the commencement of faculties of Agriculture, Education and Medicine. He also disclosed that a community radio to be jointly managed by agricultural extension services and Mass Communication Unit would be established soon.
Speaking earlier, the ASUU pro tem chairman, Dr. Oguguo Egwu, said they were in the Vice Chancellor’s office to formally welcome him and congratulate him on his appointment.
Dr. Egwu also used the occasion to brief the Vice Chancellor on the rising challenges of the academic staff in the areas of residential quarters, poor welfare packages/promotion and transportation problems, and lack of office accommodation.
Other members of ASUU-FUNAI in the company of the pro tem chairman included, Dr. Moses Alo, (Secretary-General), Dr. Arthur Nwachukwu (Assistant Secretary-General), Dr. Innocent Nwogu (Publicity Secretary/Welfare Officer), Dr. Christiana Igberi (Financial Secretary), Dr. Nnenna Nwosu (Investment Secretary), and Dr. Onyebuchi Chima (Vice Chairman/Legal Adviser).