By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions of Bauchi State owned tertiary institutions has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the State Government to improve on working conditions of their members or face an indefinite strike action.
The ultimatum was issued on Tuesday by the JAC during a press conference held at the Conference Hall of the NUJ Press Center, Bauchi titled: An Urgent Plea for the Implementation of Minimum Wage and our Concern on the Pension Act in Bauchi State.
The text of the Briefing was read by Comrade Engr Abubakar Ahmed,
State JAC Chairman stating that, “As the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Academic and Non-Academic staff of our esteemed Bauchi State-owned Tertiary Institutions, I stand before you today, united in purpose and with deep concern for the well-being of our members. We are at a critical juncture, one that echoes in the very heart of our educational system and reflects our shared values of fairness and justice.”
According to him,”For far too long, the voices of our dedicated members, those who tirelessly work to mold the minds of future generations, have gone unheard. It is time to address the pressing issues of minimum wage implementation in the State.”
On what he described as the precarious State of members Welfare, he stated that,”Every day, members of Staff in our tertiary institutions dedicate themselves to their responsibilities, driven by a commitment to educate and inspire our youths.”
“Yet, despite their unwavering devotion, many of these professionals are burdened by inadequate compensation that falls short of the minimum wage directive set by the federal government. The consequences of failing to implement this policy extend beyond individual workers; they permeate the educational environment and by extension, our society,” he added.
The JAC Chairman stressed that qquality of Education is at Stake stating that,”The clear reality is that when we are underpaid, the quality of education invariably suffers. Motivated teachers inspire students, create safe learning environments, and foster critical thinking. However, when faced with constant financial stress, unable to meet their basic needs, their ability to perform at their best diminishes.”
According to him,”Imagine learning under the guidance of a teacher whose mind is preoccupied with worries about how to pay for food or education for their own children. This is not just a professional failure; it’s a systematic failure that we must confront together.”
He further spoke about the risk of brain drain stating that,”As conditions remain stagnant, we are witnessing a worrying trend of migration of the best brains and skilled professionals seeking better opportunities in neighboring State’s and Federal institutions.”
He added that, “The loss of talented teachers is a heavy price to pay, not just for the affected institutions but for our entire State. Each departure represents a lost potential, diminished expertise, and ultimately, a reduction in the quality of education available to our students. We cannot afford to lose our brightest minds; they are the life-blood of societal progress.”
Speaking on financial hardship, he stated that,”Equally concerning, is the daily struggle faced by our staff and members to provide for their families resulting from the present economic realities and harsh government policies like the abrupt subsidy removal as well as growing index of inflation.”
According to him,”Many of our members are forced to live salary to salary, worrying about basic necessities, from groceries to ensuring their children can pursue education. The take-home is grossly inadequate and non-sustaining. It is disheartening to see that those who dedicate their lives to teaching are often left in precarious financial situations. Their struggles should tug at our hearts and prompt us all to demand change.”
On erosion or loss of Staff morale and retention, he stated that, “A workplace where individuals feel undervalued can only foster resentment and disenchantment and disengagement. High turnover rates become commonplace, disrupting the continuity of education that is vital for our students’ success. When teachers leave, we don’t only loose skilled professionals but also the trust and relationships they’ve built with students. Retaining experienced staff should be a priority for any educational institution and government, as it is crucial for nurturing an effective learning environment.”
He also stated that there is widespread discontent and division stressing that, “The atmosphere within our educational institutions is one of growing frustration and resentment. Staff members are feeling the weight of neglect, neglect that manifests as unfair wages and lack of support from the very institutions that should protect and uplift them. Discontent breeds division, and it’s essential, we recognize that action is required to restore faith in our systems.”
Abubakar Ahmed further spoke on loss of status and accreditation stating that, “The loss of our skilled and trained teachers to other institutions in search of greener pastures, adversely affect our statuses and course accreditations. For a course to be accredited, high profile members of staff are required, when they are not found, we lose accreditation which means such program will seize to run in our institutions. Why should we allow our best hands to leave when we can retain and keep them with a little gesture?”
He then, on behalf of the members made an appeal to the Government regarding the New Pension Scheme Implementation stating that,”The recent approval of a Contributory Pension Scheme in Bauchi State, where civil servants will contribute 8% of their salaries and employers will contribute 10%, is a significant development aimed at addressing the long-standing issues surrounding pension and gratuity payments. However, it is crucial to express our concerns regarding the potential burden this scheme may impose on workers, especially in light of the existing financial deductions they already face.”
According to him,”Workers in Bauchi State are currently subjected to several mandatory deductions from their salaries, which include: 2% for the Health Contributory Management Agency, 1% for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) fund, 2.5% for the National Housing Fund (NHF).”
He opined that,”These deductions total 5.5%, which, when added to the new pension contributions, will result in a substantial 13.5% of their earnings being deducted before they receive their salaries. In an economic environment characterized by rising costs and financial instability, this cumulative burden could severely impact the disposable income of civil servants.”
He also raised members concerns over the Pension scheme sustainability stating that,”While the introduction of this contributory pension scheme is a step towards ensuring better retirement benefits, several concerns must be addressed.”
Thus, Sustainability Challenges as the effectiveness of the pension scheme hinges on consistent and timely remittances from employers. Given that NIF remittances have been precarious and epileptic, there is a valid fear that similar issues could arise with pension contributions as the Pension funds could be diverted for other purposes, delays or failures in remittance could jeopardize workers’ future financial security.
On Management of Pension Funds, JAC observed that there are widespread concerns regarding the effective management of pension funds across Nigeria as historical issues with mismanagement and irregularities have led to skepticism about whether the new scheme will deliver on its promises.
It is imperative that credible pension administrators are not only appointed but also held accountable to ensure transparency and efficiency in fund management.
On timely remittance, JAC urged the State government must commit to ensuring that all contributions are remitted promptly as failure to do so could lead to a repeat of past failures where retirees faced significant delays in accessing their benefits.
“We urge the Government of Bauchi State to take proactive measures to address these concerns before fully implementing the contributory pension scheme. This includes: Establishing a robust framework for monitoring and ensuring timely remittances from employers,” JAC added.
It also called for implementing stringent oversight mechanisms for pension fund management to prevent misappropriation and ensure funds are used effectively for their intended purpose as well as engaging with civil service representatives to discuss and alleviate concerns regarding financial burdens imposed by multiple deductions.
Considering potential adjustments to existing deductions or providing supplementary support to civil servants during this transition period and an increase in the employer’s contribution from the 10% to at least 17% as obtainable in other states.
JAC believe that addressing these issues thoroughly, adequately, transparently and decisively by the government can foster trust and increase faith and confidence among workers and ensure that the contributory pension scheme serves its intended purpose of providing security and peace of mind to all civil servants in Bauchi State as they approach retirement.
On its call for action, JAC declared that, “Given the urgency of these matters and the significant impact they have on our members’ welfare as well as the educational quality and advancement in the State, we hereby issue a 21-day ultimatum to the Government of Bauchi State starting from today, Tuesday November 19th, 2024. We demand the immediate implementation of the new minimum Wage for all workers in tertiary institutions (i.e CONPCASS and CONTEDISS).”
It further declared that,”Failure to address this pressing issue within the allotted time will compel us to take industrial action, as we believe it is critical to uphold the rights and welfare of our workforce. We urge the government to act promptly and responsibly to avoid further disruption.”