RIVCAS: ASUP Alleges Govt Neglect … Elects New Exco

The immediate past  chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS), Port Harcourt branch, Mrs. Ibiyingibo Selem-Amachree has decried government’s purported silence towards the problems of the institution.

Mrs Selem-Amachree, who stated this in an address at the extra-ordinary meeting of the union in Port Harcourt on Thursday, disclosed that the college is presently begging for funding for upgrading of facilities.

She, therefore, appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the college through massive funding, appoint Governing Council and also adhere strictly to the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) rule for the appointment of  college Rectors.

While commending the government under the leadership of  Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for its consistency in the payment of salaries, allowances and upgrading of facilities in the health and education sector, the former ASUP chairman expressed worry over what she described as government’s  silence towards the college over the years.

“I would be untrue to myself and other stakeholders if I do not point out the overwhelming silence   towards the Rivers State College of Arts and Science. In this regard, it would be my pleasure to see government, especially this government break her silence by rising up to her responsibilities towards this college” Mrs. Selem-Amachree emphasised.

In the same vein, the Ex-ASUP chairman challenged the management of the college to be less sedentary in the pursuit of the accreditation of more programmes NBTE and to ensure that the already accredited courses are run as Higher National Diploma (HND) in the institution.

Besides, she wanted the management  to evolve policies and strategies aimed at promoting staff welfare and capacity building through sponsorship of conferences, workshops and seminars.

Taking stock of the union during her tenure, Mrs Selem-Amachree observed that the union and individual members recorded giant strides within the period.

According to her, the union in partnership with Zinox facilitated the acquisition of over 70 laptops and PCs which enabled most members of the union to be computer literate.

The erstwhile chairman used the occasion to thank the state governor, for  the payment of 52-month arrears owned the staff of the college by past administrations.

Also, the former ASUP boss who is a lawyer paid tributes to trade unions in Nigeria for being viable opposition in the defence and protection of the interest of average citizens and reminded the leaders that the challenges ahead are enormous.

Meanwhile, eight new offices of the union have been elected. Evang. Chinonye Enyinda was elected chairman while Engr. Clement Faah emerged as Secretary General among others.

In his post-acceptance speech, the chairman assured that he would sustain the achievements of his predecessor and create an ASUP villa as well as organise a retreat for members at the prestigious Tinapa tourist centre, Calabar.

Isaac Nwankwo & Catherine Cookey-Gam