Acting Vice Chancellor of Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (MOAUM), Prof Simon Terver Ubwa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Government and university management to resolve the ongoing strike by addressing the remaining demands of the university unions.
The unions initiated the strike days ago, citing unpaid minimum wages among other grievances.
Speaking with the Forum of Investigative Journalists in Benue State, Prof Ubwa clarified that many of the unions’ concerns have already been addressed.
“The issues that led to the strike followed series of communications starting from last year (2024). They were more than the implementation of minimum wage.
“Council directed that issues that could be handled from the IGR be paid and that was complied with,” he stated.
Ubwa highlighted that issues such as National Health Insurance, pensions, sundry allowances, and promotions were resolved using the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as directed by the Council.
“All these issues were addressed leaving the issue of 35% Wage Award and the implementation of minimum wage,” he added.
Explaining the wage dispute, Ubwa noted that tertiary institutions were excluded from the minimum wage committee and were instead offered a 10% Wage Award, which fell short of expectations. To address this, the state government formed a high-powered committee, including the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, and Accountant General, to negotiate with the university’s Council and management. This effort culminated in a memorandum of understanding with the unions.
Despite these efforts, Ubwa expressed disappointment that the unions proceeded with the strike, ignoring the Council’s request for a three-week period to finalize resolutions. He urged the unions to exhaust all negotiation avenues before resorting to industrial action, stating, “It would be an honourable gesture and more human if they agreed to exercise a little patience.”
Addressing a separate issue, Ubwa defended Professor Timothy Ornguga, a university don nominated for a commissioner role, against allegations aimed at tarnishing his reputation. “Our people take pleasure in pulling other persons down. We have Senate on Ethics and their terms of reference borders on some of the things that were raised,” he remarked. He criticized the practice of reviving old grievances to discredit individuals and warned that the university might revoke certificates of graduates who make false allegations against staff or the institution to protect its reputation.
Ubwa appealed to the public to support constructive dialogue and desist from actions that undermine the university’s progress, emphasizing the need for unity to resolve ongoing challenges.
