Kaduna: The Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Education (COEASU), Gidanwaya Chapter, has appealed to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State to enforce the salary structures that have been approved for staff at tertiary institutions. Dr. Christopher Yerima, the newly elected Chairman of the union in Kaduna State College of Education, Gidanwaya, made this request during his inaugural address on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yerima highlighted the specific salary structures as the Consolidated Polytechnic and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and the Consolidated Tertiary Education Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), emphasizing that their implementation is long overdue. He expressed concern about the disregard for state-owned tertiary institutions, particularly the college of education.
Yerima noted that the unfavorable working conditions have led to a brain drain within the college, as many of his colleagues are seeking opportunities elsewhere due to inadequate welfare and discouraging work environments. He urged the state government to prioritize teacher education and enhance infrastructure at the college, including staff offices.
The chairman also called for the integration of the college into the state's proposed education reform agenda. He expressed gratitude to the lecturers for entrusting him with the leadership of the union and pledged to maintain an open-door policy to promptly address issues affecting academic staff.
The inauguration also saw other officials taking office, including David Madami as Vice Chairman, Victor Bowman as Secretary, Grace Alkali as Treasurer, Sadiq Abubakar as Organising Secretary, and Dr. Matthew Barde as Publicity Secretary. Additional roles were filled by Mrs. Loveth Kwas, Investment Officer; Mr. Sankey Musa, Assistant Secretary; Ereje Joseph, Auditor; Dr. Marajos Alkali, Ex-officio I; and Victor Dutse as Ex-officio II. These executive members will serve for four years.
During the inauguration, the National President, Dr. Smart Olubekun, represented by National Vice-President Noah Barde, urged the state government to enhance the welfare of workers in tertiary institutions. He encouraged the new executive members to perform their duties with dedication, free from divisive sentiments, and to adhere to the union's constitution.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Ayuba Aku, represented by Deputy Provost Academics Mallam Abdullahi Mohamed, called for a collaborative relationship with the new executives and promised full support from the management.