Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (ASUU-MOUAU) branch has clarified that the controversy surrounding staff promotion in the University contravenes the institution’s 2017 Conditions of Service.
This was disclosed in a press statement jointly signed by the Chairperson, ASUU-MOUAU, Professor Roseta C. Eneje, and the Secretary, Charles E. Osodeke, and made available to journalists on Friday.
ASUU-MOUAU maintained that the 2017 Conditions of Service for senior staff did not provide for double promotion and questioned how a staff member currently holding the rank of Senior Lecturer could seek promotion directly to Professor without first attaining the rank of Associate Professor.
The union further stated that the extant 2017 Conditions of Service clearly stipulate that staff on leave of absence are not eligible for promotion, without waiver.
It described any demand for promotion during a period of leave of absence as a violation of the university’s regulations.
ASUU-MOUAU also noted that the staff member at the centre of the controversy was reportedly on leave of absence for seven uninterrupted years, from 2016 to 2023, whereas the 2003 Conditions of Service provided for a maximum of four years of leave.
The union called on the university to thoroughly investigate the processes that led to the recommendation for promotion to the rank of Professor during the period of leave.
Recall that a Senior lecturer, Philips Nto, had petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the alleged delay in approving his promotion to the rank of Professor by the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh.
Reacting to the allegations, Fidelis Edeh said he could not join issues with any staff member, noting that as Chairman of the Council, he must remain neutral in matters brought before the Governing Council.
But the University’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Ubadire Agua denied claims of delayed or denied promotions under the outgoing administration.