The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected directives that its members should submit their Banks Verification Number (BVN) for revalidation to enable government pay their February and March salaries.
ASUU members were not paid February and March salaries because they refused to enrol for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The union went on an indefinite strike since 23rd March, 2020 to protest the IPPIS and the non-implementation of previous ASUU-FG agreements.
However, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige said on Tuesday that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that ASUU members be paid on compassionate ground to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their families.
In response, chairman of ASUU at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Dele Ashiru, warned members not to submit their BVN, saying it was a bait by the government to get them to enrol for IPPIS.
In a circular to members, Ashiru wrote, “Dear Comrades and Compatriots
“The media is awash with the report of the Presidential directive to pay our February and March salaries. While we welcome this development, it should be received with cautious optimism.
“The information from some branches indicate that the payment is conditioned upon the filing of IPPIS form and submission of BVN Numbers.
“The National Leadership has directed that no member of our union should submit their BVN nor fill the IPPIS form. Our union’s principled opposition to the obnoxious and retrogressive IPPIS enrollment for which we have been vindicated still stands.
“While thanking our members for being resolute and steadfast in the struggle for a better public university system in Nigeria, please be rest assured that sooner than later all our outstanding salaries would be paid without any encumbrance. A people united can never be defeated.”
No BVN, no payment
The Federal Government on Wednesday insisted that members of ASUU will have to make their BVN available for the various vice-chancellors to validate before they would be paid their withheld February and March salaries.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, disclosed this during the daily briefing by the Presidential Task Force on the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the SGF, vice-chancellors of various federal universities will have to revalidate the lecturers BVN before the salary payment.
He added: “I am pleased to inform you that as a show of magnanimity and concern for all categories of employees, the president has approved the immediate payment of the withheld February and March salaries of lecturers not registered on the IPPIS platform.
“This payment is to cushion the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 period on the lecturers and members of their families. However, all vice chancellors are to revalidate the BVN of the affected lecturers before the Accountant General of the Federation can carry out the payments.
“The PTF remains committed to leading the fight against COVID-19 and crave your support, understanding and cooperation. Your constructive ideas for improvement will always be most welcome.”
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