Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), has warned of an impending crisis in the nation's health sector, calling on the Federal Government to prevail on concerned ministries and agencies to implement the agreement reached with Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Union (JORAISU). 

The union in a communique signed by its acting President Mr B.A. Akintola and General Secretary Mr M. O. Akinade at the end of 2-Day meeting of its National Executive Council in Ibadan and made available to journalists, called on the federal government to issue enabling circulars on adjusted CONHESS, 65 years retirement age, twelve (12) months arrears on CONRAISS and release of approved conditions/scheme of service for research institute to forestall impending industrial crises. 

It maintained that the delay of outstanding salaries and arrears would no longer be tolerated.

It said, "The council therefore urges the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to release necessary fund and ensure payment of all outstanding salaries and arrears to alleviate the suffering of workers.  

"The council notes with dismay the disposition of the Federal Government towards the implementation of the agreements reached with JOHESU and JORAISU which spanned for over five years.

"Council therefore calls on the FG to issue enabling circulars on adjusted CONHESS, 65 years retirement age, twelve (12) months arrears on CONRAISS and release of approved conditions/scheme of service for research institute.

"We use this medium to call on Mr. President to prevail on the concerned ministries and agencies of government to implement the agreements reached with the unions to forestall industrial crises. 

"Council notes that fund allocations to these institutions are grossly inadequate. A special financing mechanism which should provide for sufficient financial provision similar to the TETFund is therefore recommended to cater for health and research institutions as well as colleges of agriculture. 

"Council is displeased with the continued imposition of chief executive officers from outside these institutions as depicted in the recent appointment of CEO by the President. 

"Council urges FG as a matter of urgency to constitute the boards of federal tertiary health institutions, research institutes, colleges of agriculture, national library of Nigeria ans associated institutions in line with law establishing these institutions. 

The union however lauded the FG on the "recent release of 82 Chibock girls, urging it to intensify efforts on the release of the remaining girls.