In a recent interview with newsmen in Abuja, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education, commended President Bola Tinubu for the exemption of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Fulata, while expressing gratitude for the President's decision, emphasized the need for universities and other tertiary institutions to wield their autonomy judiciously and avoid abusing the newfound exemption.

(Photo : UNSPLASH / Emmanuel Ikwuegbu)

The Background and Debate

The Federal Executive Council's decision on December 13 to exempt tertiary institutions from IPPIS marked a significant shift in the landscape of university administration. According to Fulata, this move was long-awaited and necessary to restore the autonomy that universities and other tertiary institutions once held in matters of recruitment and payment.

Fulata did not mince words when describing IPPIS as "anti-intellectual, anti-academic, and retrogressive." This critique sheds light on the challenges universities faced under the centralized payroll system. The autonomy of university councils and boards in recruitment and payment matters was eroded, leaving them at the mercy of bureaucratic hurdles.

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The Restored Powers

Fulata underscored the importance of recognizing the enabling laws that grant councils and boards of tertiary institutions the authority for recruitment and payment decisions. With the exemption from IPPIS, these powers are now returned to the institutions, providing a much-needed relief for streamlined administrative processes.

Obstacles to Recruitment

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education highlighted the absurdity of universities having to seek approval from multiple bureaucratic entities before making even the most basic recruitment decisions. He cited an example where an entire university needed permission from the Head of Service of the Federation, the Federal Character Commission, and several other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies just to hire a cleaner. This bureaucratic quagmire not only hindered the efficiency of the institutions but also impeded their ability to respond swiftly to staffing needs.

Fulata commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating democratic values and a genuine interest in the advancement of education. By heeding the call to exempt tertiary institutions from IPPIS, the President exhibited a commitment to fostering an environment where academic institutions can thrive and operate with the autonomy required for effective decision-making.

Prudent Use of Autonomy

While celebrating the exemption, Fulata urged university and tertiary institution managements to exercise their autonomy judiciously. The newfound freedom should not be misconstrued as a carte blanche for arbitrary decision-making. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to uphold academic integrity, foster research and innovation, and enhance the overall quality of education.

As universities and tertiary institutions navigate the post-IPPIS era, challenges are likely to emerge. Efficient and transparent systems for payroll and personnel management must be established to replace the void left by IPPIS. Moreover, accountability measures should be in place to ensure that the restored autonomy is used responsibly and for the betterment of the academic community.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata's recognition of the importance of university autonomy and his appreciation for the President's decision to exempt tertiary institutions from IPPIS underscore the significance of this policy shift. The focus must now shift towards ensuring that the regained autonomy is wielded responsibly, fostering an environment where academic institutions can flourish and contribute meaningfully to national development.

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