ASUU Assures Members of Release of Withheld Salary Arrears

By Praise Chinecherem

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has assured members in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State of soon release of their seven and half months arrears of salaries being withheld by federal government.

President, Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke who gave the assurance at the foundation laying ceremony of the ASUU NAU Guest house and appreciation of former Executive Committee and retired members said efforts were being made by the national body to ensure the release of the salaries.

He praised the Chapter for the recent press briefing made over payment of backlog of arrears of salaries of some of her members in the medical profession, urging them not to give up on the struggles which he said were urgently needed in recent times.

Describing ASUU NAU as example to the body in view of its giant strides which had stood them out among other branches, Osodeke also commended the chapter for recognizing its retired members who had fought and struggled with the union during their service years, describing the honor accorded them as historic.

Vice-Chancellor, UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, thanked ASUU NAU described the Guest house as a welcome development as the University is currently lacking in the area of hospitality.

Esimone who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, commended the cordial working relationship between the ASUU and other unions, namely SSANU, NAAT and NASU since the present administration came on board.

He also thanked the unions for the peace they have maintained in the University, urging them to work together to sustain the tempo for more progress to be achieved in the university.

Chairman of the occasion and immediate past President of ASUU, Comrade Biodun Ogunyemi revealed that as the president, he commissioned the present complex two years ago which, according to him, is now the cynosure of all eyes having hosted the Union’s NEC meetings and other engagements.

He stated that the past leadership had done well in keeping with the mandate of the union, urging the incoming administration to key into the achievements, including ensuring the ASUU NAU Guest House would be completed and commissioned at recorded time.

Earlier, ASUU NAU Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh said the occasion was opportunity to celebrate ASUU NAU veterans who retired from 2021 to 2022 having held the first edition in July 2021 where retirees of 2012 to 2020 were appreciated.

He explained that the guest house project is the second phase of the ASUU NAU Secretariat complex after its completion two years ago, adding that the facility would also serve as income generating avenue for the chapter as well as create employment for jobless youths.
He appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone for approving land for construction of the building, Directors of Physical Planning and Works Services for their solidarity, as well as Building Committee members for their sacrifices and professionalism.

He said, “History is being made today as the chapter has achieved another milestone with the foundation laying ceremony of the ASUU NAU Guest House which promises to be one of the biggest ASUU Branch Guest Houses.

“The Guest House is made up of Reception, Banquet Hall, Offices, Restaurant, Kitchen, Gym Hall and Staff private spaces all domiciled in the ground floor while the first and second floor has 34 Standard and Deluxe Bedrooms, two Normal Suites and one Presidential Suite while the outside will have a Parking Lot, Swimming Pool and Tennis Court.”

The project Contractor and the Managing Director of Conifer Construction Nigeria Ltd, Engr. Chukwunonso Okoye expressed hope that the project would be completed within one year.

He said the project, conceived to take care of the best in society having five star top notch facilities in place, would be one of the best hospitality hotels in Awka when completed.

In their separate speeches on behalf of the retirees, Comrade Prof. Hyacinth Inyiama, Comrade Prof. Lucy Nwuba and Comrade Prof. Rommy Okoye appreciated ASUU NAU for the honour and recognition, praying for the union’s growth and more strides.

Comrade Prof. Harris Odimegwu who spoke on behalf of the past Executives called on the incoming EXCO to identify those who vilify the Union based on ignorance to educate and inundate them properly on the activities of the union and their struggles.

The event graced by top members of ASUU National Body, NAU chapter, University Management and UNIZIK Governing Council featured lecture delivered by a scholar from the University of Ibadan, Professor Francis Egbokhare on the theme: “ASUU and Development of the Nigerian University System: Progress, Challenges and Prospects.”

It also featured presentation of cheques and certificates to retired members and gift items to past EXCOs.