IPPIS Exemption: NAAT Cautions against Under-funding of Tertiary Institutions
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has expressed fears that the federal government’s exemption of federal tertiary institutions; universities, polytechnics and colleges of education from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS) may lead to government abandoning its financial obligation to the sector.
It urged the federal government to ensure prompt release of adequate funds for payment of salaries and allowances of staff of tertiary institutions.
In a statement signed by its President, Ibeji Nwokoma, NAAT said the association received with concern the news of approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the exemption from IPPIS with mixed feelings.
He said: ‘’While NAAT appreciates the fact that by this action, university autonomy will be restored, however, we have our reservations on payment uniformity of salaries and allowances across federal tertiary institutions as it was achieved under IPPIS despite its shortcomings.
“NAAT, therefore appeals to the federal government to ensure prompt release of adequate funds for payment of salaries and allowances of staff of tertiary institutions to avoid shortfalls and delays.
“With the exit of federal tertiary institutions from IPPIS, NAAT is curious to seek for clarification from government on the way forward as nothing can exist out of nothing.
“Our union advocates for the continuous use of a centralised payment platform to sustain the gains already achieved through IPPIS and reduce the incidence of over-bloated personnel cost and ghost workers being major reasons for creation of IPPIS’’.
NAAT urged the federal government to prioritise all aspect of funding of tertiary education for a sustainable and overall national growth and development.
It also urged the management of tertiary institutions to seize the opportunity to restore public confidence in their ability to manage resources prudently for efficient service delivery.
“We hope government will not use this exit to shy away from its responsibility of proper funding of education at all levels as enshrined in 1999 constitution as amended,” it added.
