By Hezron Roy
University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has vehemently opposed the recent statement by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu that the government shall not fund public universities.
UASU National Organising Secretary Onesmus Maluki Mutio who doubles up as UASU Multimedia University (MMU) Chapter Secretary told Education News today [November 6, 2022] that they were very surprised that the new CS had begun issuing statements that will further complicate the deep financial crisis facing public universities currently.
“It must be noted that all public universities are in deep financial problems. Some universities are paying only 57 per cent of the net salaries to our members. Which government pays their workers 58 per cent of their net pay in this century?” Wondered Maluki.
He added that currently third party deductions like pension contributions, bank loan deductions and insurance for their members are not being paid.
“Our 2017/21 NCBA (National Collective Bargaining Agreement) has not been fully financed and lecturers earn different salaries in different universities yet they are employed by the same government.
We hoped that this government would look at the deep financial challenges facing the public universities but it is very regrettable that the CS has started issuing such statements even before he settles down in office,” said Maluki.
He added: “So who has he consulted? Has he had time to engage the stakeholders and get proposals on how best to address the challenges? We are now wondering if we got the wrong CS. How do you stop funding public universities? Are you planning to turn them into private entities? What will happen to students from humble backgrounds that may not afford university education?”
Maluki stated that the UASU National Secretary General will issue a full statement on the same on Monday November 7, 2022.
