In a significant development, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted approval to exempt Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education from the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPIS). The decision, announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, aims to enhance the efficiency of public educational institutions across the nation.
This decision, reached during a recent FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja, reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the challenges posed by IPPIS to the autonomy of tertiary institutions. Mamman emphasized that the move is not a critique of IPPIS’s integrity but a step towards allowing universities to manage their affairs more effectively.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted that the universities and other tertiary institutions can now independently handle remunerations, liberating them from the centralized IPPIS. This shift aligns with the government’s commitment to respecting the autonomy granted to universities by law.
The introduction of IPPIS in 2006 aimed at reforming personnel record management and promoting transparency. However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) vehemently opposed its implementation, citing concerns about autonomy and the unique nature of academic work. ASUU advocated for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as an alternative platform better suited to the peculiarities of the university system.
Despite tensions and disruptions caused by ASUU’s resistance, the government has shown flexibility by granting concessions. The aim is to modify IPPIS to accommodate the specific needs of universities and align with the features of UTAS, ASUU’s preferred payment platform.
ASUU’s steadfast rejection of IPPIS has led to industrial actions, disrupting educational activities, including a notable eight-month hiatus in 2022. The ongoing standoff underscores the importance of finding a balance between centralization and university autonomy in managing personnel and payroll.
In conclusion, the recent FEC decision marks a significant step toward fostering a more collaborative approach between the government and educational stakeholders. It reflects a commitment to addressing the concerns of ASUU and other academic unions, paving the way for a more harmonious coexistence between centralized payroll systems and the autonomy of Nigerian universities.
