By Amos Aar
THE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHSO), Otukpo, Prof. Innocent Ujah, has called for a total overhaul of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in Nigerian universities.
Prof. Ujah, who spoke Friday during the 3rd matriculation of FUHSO held at the varsity’s temporary campus in Otukpo, faulted the implementation of the IPPIS, pointing out that some lecturers have not been paid their salaries since they were employed over a year ago because they have not been captured on the IPPIS platform.
Prof Ujah described IPPIS as the worst policy of the federal government on staff welfare, saying he was “demoralised” by the ineffective implementation of the policy.
“I feel sufficiently disturbed and demoralised by the ineffective implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) which is the federal government policy for the payment of salaries and allowances to staff.
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“As I make this presentation, I am saddened to state that some of our staff who have been employed for one year, have not been captured on IPPIS and therefore have not been paid a kobo as salaries even when there is approved budget.
“This, in my experience, is the worst policy of the federal government on staff welfare and I call on the authorities concerned to quickly overhaul the IPPIS to reduce the frustration and agony of our workers in order to enhance commitment and productivity among our workers. Perhaps it is not appropriate to call for the scrapping of the IPPIS policy”, Ujah suggested.
The VC also lamented inadequate funding for the commencement the university and called on the federal government to address the limiting factor even as he highlighted immense impact made by FUHSO within three years in the areas of health, education and economy.
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Speaking on the topic, “Making Your Dreams Come True in Life”, guest lecturer at the occasion, Chief Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged the 250 matriculated students not to live above their means and avoid overdependence on others to be able to make it in life.
“You see students buying cars, the latest iPhone and gadgets, expensive hairstyles, etc. on other people’s sweat when their peers in the western world have already started taking responsibility for things like paying for waste disposal in the family home and even obtaining loans to pay their way through college”, Obla said.
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He also charged the students not to get lured into believing that the pathway to success and wealth in life is politics as he described politics as a fast track route but a “fool’s tale that leads to failure, disappointment and total loss of focus”, asserting that the only key to success is hard work.
In a goodwill message, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, represented by Benue State Coordinator of the board, Dr Titus Isah Lemut, promised to sustain partnership with FUHSO to continue to make positive impact on Nigerians.
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