UNN VC Reaffirms Commitment to Staff Welfare, Assures ASUU of Outstanding CATA Payments

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of staff, assuring members of the University community that legitimate entitlements will not be denied.

Professor Ortuanya gave the assurance when he joined the ASUU-UNN Congress at the Nsukka campus, where he engaged members on concerns surrounding the payment of the Consolidated Academic Teachers Allowance, CATA, and other staff welfare issues.

He commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education for the payment of CATA up to the month of June, and expressed optimism that the government will continue to honour its agreement with the trade unions.

The Vice-Chancellor promised the union that the July CATA payment would be made in the coming week, while efforts are ongoing to address the August payment subsequently.

Reflecting on the economic realities confronting university workers, Professor Ortuanya acknowledged the pressures faced by staff. He noted that he had also experienced periods when his salary as a professor was insufficient to meet his financial obligations.

“If I have the money to pay all outstanding staff entitlements, I have no reason to hold your payment,” he said.

He disclosed that his administration had consistently paid staff salaries since assuming office, ensured the payment of CATA up to June, and continued to attend to promotions presented to him. He also revealed that more than N350 million had been approved to settle staff entitlements under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS.

Professor Ortuanya further invited ASUU-UNN to nominate representatives to examine the University’s financial position, emphasising the transparency of his administration.

He said the University’s transformation agenda encompasses both physical infrastructure and human capital.

“We will rebuild the bricks, the fences, the walls; we will also rebuild our human welfare and capital,” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor also reiterated his personal commitment to leaving the University better than he found it.

“I have a pact with UNN and God that I will not leave UNN the way I met it,” he added.

Professor Ortuanya described his administration as a friend of the trade unions rather than an adversary, and urged staff and management to continue to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and civility in resolving disagreements.

The ASUU-UNN leadership and members, led by Professor Florence Orabueze, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for personally engaging with their concerns and pledged their continued support for the administration.

At the University of Nigeria, rebuilding is not only about bricks and walls, it is also about people.