The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Siyan Oyeweso has called on the Federal Government to permanently remove the salaries of Universities staff from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Oyeweso made the call on Monday shortly after the inaugural meeting of the newly appointed Council which was held at the varsity campus in Ile-Ife.
The Professor of History, who was resuming as 21st Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, also called on the Federal Government to review the inclusion of University endowment funds and research grants from the Single Treasury Account (TSA) to allow effective use of the funds for the growth of universities.
He said, “We’re using this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria to remove permanently and finally the university staff salaries from the IPPIS. The president has given an order but some individuals are still violating the presidential directive.
We’re also pleading with the federal government to remove the university endowment funds from the TSA. The implication is that whatever was put there has not been accessible and it is not helping us fulfill the purpose for which it was created. We believe the president can achieve this and we thank him for what he has done.”
Oyeweso also called on critical stakeholders to rally round the university to address some pressing challenges such as water, electricity, poor roads and inadequate hostels facing the school.
The wage bill of this university today is high. The university is on band A, which is good but the bill is too high. The university management has continued to engage the Rural Electricity Authority to seek alternative on this through construction of plants to generate electricity but it has not been completed.
“We currently have seven hostels and some others being run by private individuals. This is grossly inadequate and we want to get four or five more hostels for this institution. We believe we will soon start visiting the stakeholders to realize this.”
Oyeweso assured the university stakeholders and other community that his council will work in unison with the management to ensure development of the institution.
“We want to assure all Nigerians that we will deliver on the mandate given to us by President Bola Tinubu. We will not fail him. We have subscribed fully to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and we’ll work collectively to take Obafemi Awolowo University to a greater height.”
The council meeting continues on Tuesday with a tour of the University by members and it’s expected to end on Wednesday.
