BY: Eba Alobo Ishmael
A professor of Adult and Industrial Education of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Emmanuel Unimke Ingwu has opined that the politicisation of wages has really affected the productivity of workers especially those in the public sector because they are not being paid well.
Speaking at the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the University held on Thursday at the institution's conference hall, Prof. Emmanuel added that "this has led to what we call productivity conundrum". He added that "By this we mean that no matter how much money that is pumped into the system, productivity still remain stagnant"
According to him "In the Nigerian system today, workers are underpaid in all ramifications because of inflation. The exchange rate is high take for instance the issue of the minimum wage"
On issues bordering the institution Prof. Ingwu noted that "Within the university system, it is a major factor because here the subvention we get is not sufficient to pay salaries so the students have to be subjected to pay school fee so that we can augment it to pay salaries. And sometimes before the money comes, it is two weeks into the new month so that affects workers productivity".
According to him "The way forward is that both management, unions and government should sit together and talk so that once subvention is increased and salaries are paid on time, I can assure you that productivity will improve".
He added that "The message we are taking home today is that the wages should not be unnecessarily politicised. Of you are going to negotiate, do it on time and sign it and implementation shouldn't take too long".
On his part the Vice Chancellor of CRUTECH, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh applauded the DVC for taking the bold step to deliver the lecture. According to him " I am very proud of my university. This lecture is like one of our own is building house and so we are here to support him. I do recall in 2012 when I mounted the podium to deliver the 1st Inaugural lecture".
Goodwill message was offered by the Branch Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Emmanuel Etta as well as the Registrar who in his vote of thanks appreciated everyone for attending the lecture.
@CrutechPress
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