NASU Leadership Warns Members Against Divisiveness

By our reporter

The leadership of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, has warned its members to desist from act that could jeopardize peace and unity of the union, stressing that NASU is the only recognized body that carters for the non-teaching staff in higher institutions in the country and should be guarded jealously.

The National President of the union, comrade Hassan Makolo stated this in a goodwill message on the occasion of the branch delegates conference and quadrennial election of the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu in Enugu state.
Represented by the deputy general secretary, comrade Danjuma Jubrin, the president noted that NASU has received enormous supports from its leadership and the government, adding that the supports which the union has received as a trade union organization, has transformed it to what it is today. He urged the members to maintain the tempo so that together they could achieve a dynamic trade union.

The National labour leader disclosed that 2023 is the year of elections for the union nationwide, pointing out that it commenced in March with the branch unions elections and would end in December with the National Delegates Conference. He reminded those vying for elective positions that elections in NASU is not a do or die affair, stressing that NASU is not like political parties where candidates fight to finish.

‘’It is important to inform you that this year, 2023 is election period. The branch election started in March and will end in July 2023 and after that we move to the State Council election which will begin and end in August. After this is the Trade Group Council election which comes up in September and this will be rounded off in December with the National Delegates Conference.

It behoves therefore to let you know that election is not an issue that will divide the rank and file of the union but a period to strengthen the membership of the union for unity, so that those who have interest in contesting NASU election should not see it as a do or die affair to bring division among the rank and file of the union. Therefore, we shall work together to see that we have a dynamic trade union in our midst’’, he said. 

Earlier in a valedictory speech, the outgoing chairman of the branch union, comrade Pever Aondohemba Bartholomew thanked the Enugu State NASU executives, the National body, the Management of the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu and all the branch members for their supports, saying that the cordial relationship that existed among them counted much to their achievements.

He noted that the branch union leaders had, without compromising the welfare of the union members worked in harmony with the College Management, pointing out that with diplomacy and dialogue some grey areas needed to be improved for the well-being of the members were adequately handled. The chairman however disclosed that irregular remittance of the 30% check off dues by IPPIS and non-payment of minimum wage arrears to some of their members were among the major challenges the body have.

Meanwhile, the 2023 election of the branch union was conducted by the officials of the union from the National body and the Enugu State NASU executives, led by the National Deputy General Secretary and the President’s representative Comrade Danjuma Jubrin. Other members of the team were comrades Sam Enonnhonbor, Senior Assistant General Secretary of National body, Chika Amuka, Enugu State NASU Chairman, Ifeoma Nwangwu, the state Secretary and Ifeoma Nwokeabia, NEC member.

The immediate past chairman, Pever and the secretary, comrade Stanley Uche Mbah were elected unopposed while Scholastic Chinasa Eya was elected as treasurer with five others as ex-officio members. The ex-officio members were Comrades John Ede, Samson Ogbonna, Michael Nwodo, Franklin Eze, William Ogbuzuru and Darlington Ifeanyi Nwode who was Co-opted as EXCO Member.

The oath of allegiance was administered on the elected officials by comrade Jubrin.
The new leaders have four years to run the affairs of the union.