SSUCOEN Kicks Against Conversion Of CoE To Varsities
Mr Danladi Msheliza, President of SSUCOEN said this in a communique jointly signed by Nwenyi Isioma, National Secretary of the union on Thursday in Abuja.
The communique was issued at the 38th National Delegates Conference of the union held at Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State.
Msheliza said that the Conference viewed
recent decision to convert some Colleges of Education (COEs) to universities as a misguided and short-sighted move.
According to him, this will have far-reaching devastating consequences for the education sector.
“This conversion will not only lead to the erosion of the unique identity and purpose of COEs, which have historically provided high-quality teacher training but also threaten the very existence of these institutions.
“Moreover, it ignores the critical need for specialised teacher training and development, and will likely result in a watered-down, generalised education that fails to meet the specific needs of our students and educators.
“We urge the Federal Government to recognise this ill-conceived decision and prioritise preserving and strengthening our COEs, rather than dismantling them under the guise of a so-called upgrade,”he said.
He also noted that the conference expressed concern on the removal of subsidy on fuel and electricity tariff.
He noted that this had caused untold hardship for Nigerians and therefore called for immediate reversal of the anti-masses policies.
Msheliza also noted that conference strongly condemned the government’s proposal to impose a cybersecurity levy on the already overburdened citizens and businesses.
“This move is nothing short of a draconian measure that will only serve to further suffocate the struggling masses and stifle innovation and growth in the digital economy.
“The government should focus on investing in robust cybersecurity measures, promoting digital literacy, and supporting the development of a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,”he said.
He said the conference however called for the re-enactment of the Act establishing Federal Colleges of Education.
On minimum wage, he said the conference called for approval and support on what organised labour was pushing forward as the new minimum wage.
He also said other demands of the conference include the payment of revitalization fund, mainstreaming of staff of Demonstration Schools, among others.
find Full Communique:
A Communique Released at the 38th National Delegates' Conference (NDC) of the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) held at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State, from 6th to 10th May, 2024.
PREAMBLE
The Conference which focused on a wide range of critical issues and related matters affecting the Education sector, particularly the Colleges of Education sub-sector, was attended by Delegates from all the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT Abuja.
As a result of the discussions, deliberations, and resolutions arrived at, the Conference declared the following statements:
APPRECIATION
The Conference in session wishes to express its gratitude to the Provost, Management, staff, and students of Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State, for graciously allowing the SSUCOEN Chapter in the College to host the 38th National Delegates Conference (NDC). Their hospitality and the provision of a conducive environment were instrumental to the success of the Conference. We would also like to thank the Chairman, Executive and congressmen, and women of the host chapter for their immense sacrifices, which ensured the Delegates' Conference was a resounding success.
INCESSANT/WORSENING STATE OF INSECURITY
The Conference condemns in strong terms the rampant insecurity and kidnappings for ransom that have plagued Nigeria, causing untold hardships, frustrations, and anguish for countless individuals and families. The persistent attacks and senseless killings by criminal elements, known as bandits, have created a climate of fear and uncertainty, undermining the very fabric of our society. It is unacceptable that innocent citizens, including students, travelers, and even children, are being targeted and held for ransom. The Union demands that the government and security agencies take decisive and collective actions to address this crisis, protect citizens' lives and property, and bring perpetrators to justice, ensuring that Nigeria becomes a safe and secure nation for all.
REJECTION OF THE REMOVAL OF SUBSIDIES ON FUEL AND ELECTRICITY TARIFF
The Conference discussed with serious concerns, the recent decision by the government to remove subsidies on fuel and electricity tariffs. It was deemed an insensitive and callous move that has caused untold hardship for Nigerians. The decision goes against the trust and mandate given to the government by its citizens, who now face excessive price hikes in commodities and unbearable living costs. The government claims that this decision will stimulate economic growth and development, but it appears that only the wealthy and the political elites are benefiting while the poor and vulnerable suffer in pain and anguish. The Union, therefore, strongly condemns this decision and demands an immediate reversal of these anti-masses policies. The government has a responsibility to protect the welfare and well-being of its citizens, not prioritize 'profits' over people.
CONDEMNATION OF GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO INTRODUCE CYBERSECURITY LEVY
The Conference strongly condemned the government's proposal to impose a cybersecurity levy on the already overburdened citizens and businesses. This move is nothing short of a draconian measure that will only serve to further suffocate the struggling masses and stifle innovation and growth in the digital economy. The government's failure to provide adequate cybersecurity infrastructure and protection for its citizens and its attempt to tax them for its inadequacies is a blatant example of policy failures and bureaucratic greed. Instead of imposing more taxes, the government should focus on investing in robust cybersecurity measures, promoting digital literacy, and supporting the development of a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.
REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF ACT ESTABLISHING FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION
The Conference expressed its gratitude to His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his assent to the Amended Act that establishes Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria, on 12th June 2023. The session also recognized the vital role played by Professor Tahir Mamman, the Honourable Minister of Education, and Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, the Executive Secretary, of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), in ensuring that the new law was circulated to all Colleges for effective application and implementation. As a result, the Union urges all Provosts of Nigeria Colleges of Education to ensure sacrosanct application and implementation of the provisions in the Act.
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
The Conference expressed appreciations to the Federal Government for awarding and implementing the 25% and 35% upward review of salaries for staff of tertiary institutions, in March 2024. Delegates also expressed their support for the approval and implementation of a minimum wage proposal of N615,000 by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Conference believes that the NLC's proposal is well-founded, and therefore, governments are called upon to embrace it in the interest of industrial harmony and the collective desire to alleviate the hardship experienced by the working class in Nigeria. The Conference also reminded and urged State governments to domesticate the same in their states as soon as the approval of new minimum wage is granted.
REVITALIZATION FUNDS
The Conference expressed its sincere appreciation to the Federal Government for releasing the first and second tranches of the Revitalization Funds to public Colleges of Education. This action demonstrates a clear commitment to improving the quality of teacher education and raising the standard of our institutions. The intervention will enable Colleges to renovate the deteriorating infrastructure; upgrade some of the facilities; and enhance the overall experience of staff and students, which will ultimately produce highly skilled and dedicated teachers who will shape the nation's future. The Union is grateful for this investment in the future of Education and looks forward to continued support and partnership in our pursuit of excellence. College managements are therefore urged to ensure the prudent use of the funds in accordance with the approved proposals.
TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST FUND (TETFund)
While commending the efforts of the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and his team, for the approval granted to certain categories of non-teaching staff, especially Architects and Technologist, to pursue higher degrees using its intervention in the area of Staff Training and Development, the Conference noted that the leadership of the Union had earlier intimated the Executive Secretary, TETFund and his management team to extend its sponsorship for higher degrees to other cadres of the non-teaching staff in Colleges of Education, whose career progression to CONTEDISS 15 and appointment as Registrar or Bursar are tied to the acquisition of Masters Degree, hence the need to sponsor them since it's a requirement.
Although the current focus on teaching staff is commendable, it is equally important to acknowledge the crucial role played by non-teaching staff in supporting the academic enterprise. By providing opportunities for professional development and capacity building, TETFund can assist the non-teaching staff in enhancing their skills and contributing even more effectively to the smooth operation of our institutions. This inclusive approach will not only boost morale and motivation but also encourage a more cohesive and productive academic community, ultimately benefiting the entire tertiary education system.
MAINSTREAMING OF STAFF OF DEMONSTRATION SCHOOLS
The Conference appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in the ongoing process of mainstreaming of staff of Demonstration Schools and enjoined the Hon Minister of Education (HME), the Chairman, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and the Executive Secretary, NCCE, to speed up actions as the exercise is long overdue.
EXIT OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FROM THE IPPIS PLATFORM
The Conference expressed its appreciation for the Federal Government's recent decision to exempt staff of tertiary educational institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). This decision has addressed the long-standing concerns of SSUCOEN and other sister Unions, who have been advocating for a more efficient and effective payroll management system for tertiary education institutions in Nigeria. However, the Union urges the Federal Government to resolve all outstanding financial liabilities associated with the IPPIS before the final exit.
CALL FOR INCREASED BUDGETARY ALLOCATION TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR
The Conference urged both the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria to prioritize the education sector by increasing budgetary allocations to Education. The sector has been plagued by chronic underfunding for far too long. Only a fraction of the national budget is dedicated to education, which has resulted in inadequate infrastructure, outdated resources, and insufficient personnel in our schools and institutions. To invest in our future, we need to allocate a significantly higher percentage of our budget to education. This will help us build modern classrooms, equip our students with cutting-edge technology, and attract and retain top talented staff in the teaching profession. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our youths and drive sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
INCESSANT CONVERSION OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION (COEs) TO UNIVERSITIES
The Conference equally viewed the recent decision to convert some Colleges of Education (COEs) to Universities as a misguided and short-sighted move that will have far-reaching devastating consequences for the education sector. This conversion will not only lead to the erosion of the unique identity and purpose of COEs, which have historically provided high-quality teacher training but also threaten the very existence of these institutions. Moreover, it ignores the critical need for specialised teacher training and development, and will likely result in a watered-down, generalised education that fails to meet the specific needs of our students and educators. We urge the governments (State and Federal) to recognise this ill-conceived decision and prioritise preserving and strengthening our COEs, rather than dismantling them under the guise of a so-called upgrade.
RECONSTITUTION OF GOVERNING COUNCILS
It has been observed with great concern that all Federal Colleges of Education have been without Governing Councils for quite sometime, since they were dissolved by Mr President. This action has impacted negatively and caused both administrative and academic stagnation in these institutions. Therefore, the government is urged to promptly reconstitute the Governing Councils for Federal Colleges of Education, which were dissolved for an extended period.
The absence of functional Governing Councils has hindered effective governance, strategic planning, and decision-making in our Colleges. As a result, the quality of teaching and learning and the overall performance of the Colleges have been affected.
The Conference implores the federal government to expedite the reconstitution process and ensure the appointment of capable and experienced individuals who would provide visionary leadership, support academic excellence, and promote the growth of Colleges of Education, which will in turn enhance the nation’s education system and produce highly qualified teachers for our schools.
CONCLUSIONS
SSUCOEN is dedicated to collaborating with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that Colleges of Education in Nigeria operate smoothly and its members are well taken care of. The Union will continue to advocate for policies that promote quality education, enhance staff welfare, and guarantee a secure and conducive teaching and learning environment for everyone in Nigeria.
Signed: Signed:
Comrade Danladi Ali Msheliza, FCPM, FNLI, MNIM Cmrd Nwenyi Leo Isioma
(President) (National Secretary)
