I think the Governor of Kogi state needs to rethink on his educational policy , is like there is a deliberate error coming from Somewhere .
As I am talking to you , His Excellency,
Gov. Ododo Direct Stoppage Payment of Earn Academic Allowance (EEA) to Prince Abubakar Audu university Staff
—Order reroute of 50% IGR to State Government account
The recent directive by the Kogi State governor to halt the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) payments to the academic staff of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and to reroute 50% of the institution’s internally generated revenue to the state government, raises significant concerns for both staff and students.
Earned Academic Allowances are typically paid to reward the additional responsibilities and efforts of academic staff beyond regular teaching duties, such as research supervision, administration, and curriculum development.
These allowances are crucial for staff morale, as they acknowledge the value of academic contributions. The governor’s decision to stop these payments impacts staff directly, especially as it comes on top of already low allowances—10,000 Naira for Graduate Assistants, 20,000 Naira for Assistant Lecturers, 30,000 Naira for Lecturer II, 40,000 Naira for Lecturer I, and 50,000 Naira for senior lecturers and professors which has reportedly been unsatisfactory for years, and the stoppage only exacerbates the financial strain on staff.
Subsequently, the directive to transfer half of the university’s internally generated revenue (IGR) to the state government further constrains the university’s financial resources. Typically, IGR is vital for the day-to-day running of universities, funding facilities, upgrading educational materials, and providing resources for students and staff. Reducing the IGR available to the university could mean that necessary improvements and maintenance might be delayed or neglected, potentially leading to a decline in the institution’s infrastructure and overall learning environment.
With inadequate compensation and a lack of professional growth opportunities, it’s no surprise that qualified staff might leave Prince Abubakar Audu University. For over six years, academic staff reportedly haven’t received promotions, which is crucial for career progression and job satisfaction. Without career advancement, many experienced lecturers and professors may look for better opportunities elsewhere, leading to what is being described as an “exodus movement” of qualified personnel. This loss of talent, in turn, affects the quality of teaching and mentorship that students receive.
The gaps left by departing staff, the university is allegedly turning to less experienced lecturers, including recent graduates and Youth Corps members, for roles that typically require the expertise of seasoned academics. While these young graduates and corps members bring enthusiasm, they may lack the depth of knowledge and experience that more qualified lecturers and professors offer. This substitution could degrade the standard of education at the university, affecting student outcomes and potentially harming the institution’s reputation in the long term.
This decisions could reduced staff morale, lower quality of teaching, and diminished resources may harm the university’s reputation, making it less attractive to prospective students and staff. The university may struggle to retain its best academics and students, which could further weaken its standing within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
I can tell you authoritatively that a professor in PAAU is collecting salary of senior lecturer and non can talk because the school has pulled out of ASUU under Bello .
The Governor needs to rejig his Educational policy and very very urgent
Usman Okai Austin
