The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria and heads of colleges of agriculture nationwide have expressed support for the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture's move to appraise the disbursement of Colleges of Agriculture and Allied Institutions Staff Training and Development funds and exit the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System. This position was made known during a meeting between the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, and the national leadership of the union in Abuja.
According to Dr Dabban, the move is significant as it directly affects the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the institutions and the management of human capital. He emphasized that Federal Colleges of Agriculture play a strategic role in Nigeria's agricultural development architecture, contributing to agricultural research, innovation, extension, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, beyond producing skilled manpower.
Dr Dabban assured that the council will ensure a responsible transition process to protect the interests of the Federal Government, the institutions, and staff who depend on an efficient personnel administration system. He highlighted the importance of today's engagement, stating that it concerns an area that directly affects the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the institutions and the management of human capital.
The National Committee of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines also supports the move, aiming to enhance manpower planning, facilitate timely replacement of critical personnel, improve staff deployment, and strengthen institutional productivity. The committee's Secretary, Dr Jude Ejike, represented its President, Dr Chukwu O. O. Chukwu, and expressed the body's support for better welfare and service delivery.
ASUCA National President, Comrade Dr Kadurumba Chukwuemeka, noted that exiting IPPIS will boost the morale of lecturers, considering that Federal Colleges of Agriculture have unique staffing structures comprising academic staff, technologists, instructors, extension specialists, farm managers, and technicians. These structures are tied to practical agricultural training and research, emphasizing the need for a more tailored approach to personnel administration.
The support from ARCN and heads of colleges of agriculture nationwide indicates a unified effort to address the challenges faced by Federal Colleges of Agriculture. By exiting IPPIS, these institutions aim to improve their administrative efficiency, enhance staff welfare, and ultimately contribute to Nigeria's agricultural development.
The transition process is expected to be conducted responsibly, with the council ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are protected. This move is seen as a step towards addressing the unique needs of Federal Colleges of Agriculture and Allied Institutions, ultimately enhancing their productivity and contribution to Nigeria's agricultural sector.
Key points
- The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria supports the exit of colleges of agriculture from IPPIS.
- The move aims to enhance manpower planning and staff deployment in Federal Colleges of Agriculture.
- Exiting IPPIS is expected to boost the morale of lecturers and improve administrative efficiency.
