Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI) chapter, are demanding the payment of all outstanding promotions arrears owed them.

Besides, the union has vowed to resist the alleged plan to pay only one year out of the promotion arrears.

In a letter to the Vice-Chancellor signed by its Chairman, Dr. Deji Omole, and Secretary Dr. Peter Olapegba, it rejected the proposed plan to pay only a part.

While pointing out that promotion arrears is earned and not a privilege, the union maintained that all those owed must be paid in full.

ASUU also called on the Vice Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka, to redefine the promotion procedure so that people are promoted as and when due.

It therefore asked the university administration to continue to pay promotion arrears of academic staff in full.

The letter read in part: “It has come to the notice of ASUU, University of Ibadan branch that promotion arrears would only be paid for one year henceforth as stated on two occasions by the University Bursar during our meetings with the management. Our Union wishes to state unequivocally that this decision is totally unacceptable to us as a Union and it is inimical to the welfare of our people and against any logic we can think of.

“Our position and decision against this proposed policy is informed by the following considerations: Those whose promotion (e.g. 2010, 2011, 2012) were announced early enough have already been paid the full benefits of their arrears. How then can two people promoted same year be treated differently on payment of arrears. Promotion arrears is not a privilege but earned salary of individuals which must be fully paid.

“If the University administration goes ahead with this policy the industrial harmony existing in the institution cannot be guaranteed. It is worthy of note that ASUU’s main preoccupation is the protection of the welfare of its members, and nothing will be left undone in discharging this responsibility.

“Be informed that the national leadership of ASUU is aware of this development and it is monitoring the situation. We hope reason will prevail in this situation.” (The Guardian)

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