BREAKING: ASUU-IMSU Declares Total, Comprehensive And Indefinite Strike—-The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University Owerri branch (ASUU-IMSU) has reportedly commenced a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike with effect from 6pm Friday 20/09/2024.

The decision to strike stems from several unresolved issues which have persisted for years and have affected the welfare of the academic staffs negatively.

See List Of Unresolved Issues Below:

•Promotion without financial benefits since 2016;

•ASUU-IMSU staffs salary disparity with those of other comparable tertiary institution;

•Undue delays in Staff Assessment and Promotions;

•Selective Salary Payments and Non-Payment of Arrears of Salary;

•Non-Payment of Earned Academic Allowance since the year 2009.

•Non-Remittance of Union Check-Off/Welfare Dues: From February 2020 to September 2021;

•Non-Remittance of Pension Deductions from May 2016 to date;

•Inclusion of Imo State University in the Treasury Single Account (TSA);

•Funding of the University;

•Erosion of the University Autonomy etc.

Despite several attempt to address these issues through letters, meetings, rallies and press releases no concrete action have been taken by the University Administration, Governing Council or the Visitor to the University. Our members have been patient, but the worsening conditions have forced us into this position.

During our congress on July 18th, 2024, we issued a 21-day notice to resolve these issues. Since no solution has been reached within this period, we are now compelled to begin this indefinite strike to secure fair treatment and better working conditions.

We request the understanding and support of the public as we stand for justice, improved conditions, and a brighter future for the Imo State University.

As signed by the Chairperson of ASUU-IMSU Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu and the Secretary ASUU-IMSU Comrade Lazarus Chikwenda respectively.

NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head FinanceHub Committee—-Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa, the President, Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks, ACAMB, as chairman of its newly created Management Committee of FinanceHub.

NAN reports that the committee, comprising of banking, insurance, and pensions, is meant to deepen sustainable Public Relations practice in the finance sector.

Bolarinwa is expected to bring his wealth of experience from journalism, PR and the financial sector to the banking, insurance and pension sectors alongside other appointees from maritime and aviation sectors of the economy.

Bolarinwa is currently the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank.

He was re-elected President of ACAMB, the umbrella body of all corporate and marketing communications heads of banks in Nigeria, in January 2024 after a two-term as secretary-general of the association.

The committee members are expected to deepen sustainable PR practice.

Other appointees as chairpersons of other newly created sectoral hubs included Mrs. Thelma Okoh to head Maritime Hub; Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, Energy Hub and Mr. Basil Agboarumi for Aviation Hub.

Also appointed were Dr. Ahmad Sajoh for Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub and Miss Chimdi Neliaku to lead Young Practitioners Hub.

The nomination letters sent to the newly appointed chairpersons was signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, the Institute’s Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council.

The institute explained that the creation of the sectoral hubs was meant to build sustainable and viable public relations practices across the listed sectors.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Chairmen and Committee Members of the Sectoral Hubs, the National President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed satisfaction with the pedigree of the nominees.

“Your appointment’s are considered well thought out. It reflects the trust and confidence the NIPR council places in your expertise, commitment and dedication towards contributing to achieving the objectives of the Hub,” he said.

Neliaku, accompanied by other governing council members, pledged his support and that of the council to the sectoral hubs.

He said, “We look forward, with excitement, to working together with you all to make a positive impact on sustainable and viable public relations practices in the respective sectoral hubs in Nigeria.”