Education

JUPTI condemns sack of tertiary institution heads, urges reversal

The Joint Union of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI) has urged Plateau State to condemn the recent sack of all heads of tertiary institutions in the state by Governor Caleb Muftwang and urge the state government to reverse its decision.

Addressing newsmen in Jos Plateau State on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Peter Longbaam, who said the sacking of the head of tertiary institutions was highly politicised, said the action of the government could have a negative effect on those institutions if not addressed on time.

“The Joint Union observed with concern the politicisation of the removal and appointment of Chief Executives of Tertiary Institutions and the outright cancellation of employment carried out in October 2022.

“It is in light of the above that we are compelled today to call for this press conference to address, inform, and educate you on the dangers and negative precedents the action of the government will create in the near future.”

Comrade Longbaam narrated that the positions of the Chief Executives of these institutions—Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, College of Education, Gindiri, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, and College of Health Technology, Zawan—were advertised. The interview was conducted, and they were found appointable.

He further explained that their appointments were in accordance with the edicts and laws that established these institutions, adding that their removal was not in line with the extent of the laws governing the institutions.

“With this development, the union is shocked, especially knowing fully well that, not long ago, our dear government was a beneficiary of law and justice.

“We are afraid that these acts might be counterproductive, with gross and unimaginable consequences for the accreditation of our academic programmes.

“As if the damage done with the removals was not enough, again without minding the position of the Edit, we were again confronted with what the government term “temporary appointment” even where there exists a Deputy and which by law should rightly be given such a position.

“This is in total disregard for the law governing the operation of these institutions. This is a serious setback in our quest for a better educational system in the state.

“We are really worried about the future of our tertiary education. This same government set up visitation panels at these institutions; where are the reports? This is very unfortunate, and the unions totally found this condemnable.”

The union therefore demands that the government re-visit its action for the sake of industrial harmony.

On the cancellation of employment done in October 2022, the union requested that the government should have a rethink, isolate candidates with questionable issues, and reinstate the staff who are qualified, especially those cleared by successive committees, in the interest of industrial harmony.

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