The Academic Staff Union of Universities celebrated on Wednesday following the federal government’s directive to exclude universities and tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System payment platform.

The union, elated by this decision, urged the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to address other outstanding issues, emphasizing the need for a university system free from recurrent strikes.

The Federal Executive Council announced the exemption of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions from the IPPIS payment platform during its meeting on Wednesday. 

Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, disclosed this after the federal cabinet meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the President of ASUU, expressed his satisfaction with the development in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust. He remarked that if the FEC’s approval was accurate, it would steer universities back on the right path.

“If that is correct, it is a good step in the right direction. We commend the administration for that. That’s what we’re talking about. If that’s correct, we are now coming up as universities gradually,” said the ASUU president in a telephone interview with our correspondent.

Osodeke highlighted the significance of addressing issues related to punishment meted out to ASUU members while calling for corrective measures. 

“On this one, this is a good development. We commend the government for listening to our concerns after three years.

“Although, that’s not the only issue, there are a lot of issues, but if the government has done this, they should also do other things so that we can have a flawless issue where there will be no strike.”