Congress of Nigerian University Academics has commended the Federal Government for 35 percent and 23.5 per cent salary increments for staff of tertiary institutions in the country.

The group however said the increment was done before the removal of the subsidy on fuel, stressing that, it would continue to engage the government on post-subsidy removal increment in salaries.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by the CONUA National President, Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, the group recalled a discussion the former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige had with CONUA delegates on May 3, 2023, after a court sitting.

The CONUA delegates had during the meeting discussed welfare, the backlog of salaries, and other issues affecting members of the Union.

The statement read partly, “In the meeting, CONUA delegates lamented the stagnation of salaries and in the response of the immediate past Minister, he said the only offer on the table and which the government is committed to paying is the offer announced by the immediate past Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu announced in September 2022 in the State House.

“CONUA delegates then pressed the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment to raise that of the non-professorial cadre to 25%. After much discussion on the matter and others, the Minister promised to raise this with relevant organs of government, and that possibly, payment could commence in May 2023.

“While appreciating the government for looking at the direction of academics for this award, we have noticed that this award was done before the removal of subsidy and we will continue to interact with the government on post-subsidy removal increment of academic salaries to meet with the present economic realities.

“Therefore we will continue to engage the government as we advocate for a better salary for lecturers in the Nigerian universities to boost the morale of academics while at the same time reducing the scourge of brain drain from the institutions.”

The acting President of Temple University, Philadelphia, Ms. JoAnne Epps,  passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72, after falling ill during a memorial service, the varsity disclosed.

Epps, who assumed her role in April, became unwell at the memorial service and was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead around 3:15 pm.In a statement by the university on its website and signed by the Chair, Board of Trustees, Mitchell Morgan; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ken Kaiser; Senior Vice President and Provost, Gregory Mandel,  “There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss. President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying her loss will reverberate through the community for years to come.”“The university, however, did not disclose the cause of her passing.

“Our thoughts are with President Epps’ family, and with all members of the Temple community at this moment.

The days ahead will be difficult, but we will lean on one another as President Epps would want us to,” it added.

Temple University is a public state-related research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by the Baptist minister, Russell Conwell.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the leading engineering construction company in Nigeria, graduated its second batch of trainees from its Plant and Equipment Academy in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was a celebration of the company’s commitment to industrial and technological development. Francois Roos, Head of Julius Berger’s Plant and Equipment Department, welcomed guests to the ceremony and spoke about the importance of the academy in transferring technical know-how and skills to Nigeria’s workforce.

Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, the company’s Executive Director of Administration, represented the Managing Director at the event and congratulated the graduates. He said that the academy was created to empower artisans with the skills they need to contribute to nation-building.

The first set of graduates from the academy were trained in combustion engines and drive trains. The second set of graduates were trained in basic electricity and automotive applications.

The academy is a valuable resource for Nigeria’s industrial development. It is helping to bridge the skills gap and create a more skilled workforce. Julius Berger is to be commended for its commitment to this important initiative.