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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has maintained its rejection of the Federal Government’s payment platforms, Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), opting instead for the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). The union’s stance is rooted in the need to preserve the autonomy of Nigeria’s universities.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, explained in an interview on Sunday that UTAS aligns with the statutory provision for university finances to be managed by their respective Governing Councils. He noted, “ASUU’s position is that the finances of the university should be managed by the Governing Council. That’s what the law says. It does not say by the Accountant General’s office.”
Osodeke criticized IPPIS for compromising university autonomy and violating the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act 2003, which empowers universities to manage their budgets once approved by the National Assembly. He also raised concerns about GIFMIS, labeling it an extension of IPPIS, since payments would still require verification from the Accountant-General’s office before being processed.
The ASUU president refuted claims that the union’s insistence on UTAS was an attempt to shield lecturers from scrutiny, particularly those teaching in multiple institutions. He explained that the law allows lecturers to work part-time in up to two universities, serve as visiting professors, or take sabbatical leave after six years of service. Osodeke emphasized that UTAS was designed to enforce these regulations automatically.
Osodeke further disputed reports from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) claiming that UTAS failed three integrity tests, noting that an earlier assessment had rated the platform at 97.3%. He questioned the government’s continued preference for IPPIS despite UTAS scoring higher in the tests.
Regarding the union’s ongoing strike notice over the payment platform issue and other grievances, Osodeke indicated that ASUU is waiting for the government to conclude deliberations with the newly established renegotiation committee.
