A cross section of the Junior Staff Association of Njala University led by their President, Mr. Samuel K. Kamara has commended the strides taken so far by Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam .O.) to make Njala University great again.
They particularly singled out his astute management of the meager resources of the Institution in the last few months and also expressed appreciation of their membership towards the drive.
The President and his Executive were meeting the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal for the first time since his appointment in March this year.
Mr. Kamara spoke about some burning issues affecting his membership such as: the non-payment of 75% of their dirty work allowances, stagnated conditions of service, lack of access to their NASSIT files and the non-involvement in the implementation of projects.
He expressed his association’s unflinching support and commitment to work with the new Administration so as to make the University great again.
The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal while responding, reiterated the fact that due to his humble beginning he was always particular about the welfare and plight of the Junior Staff Association who according to him forms the bedrock of any institution.
He appreciated their assurances of support and commendation for his administration and its initial strides especially on the efficient management of the meager resources of the institution.
The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal endorsed their concerns around accessing their NASSIT files and also taking active part in projects implemented by the University.
On the aspect of the payment of the 75% dirty work allowance, the Vice Chancellor and Principal was frank to note that his administration is cash-strapped and therefore would be unable to instantly pay the 75% , but assured that they would look at the possibility of paying 25% for a start.
He urged them to promote the concept of ‘Bongology’ by contributing in their own little way to make the University proud again.
Mallam ‘O’ apologized that he has delayed meeting with the Junior Staff Association largely because he was trying to understand fundamental issues such as the finances of the institution, status of research, teaching and learning, management of projects etc.
He underscored the point that it was critical for him to understand all of the above before meeting the respective associations, who according to him are always challenged around these issues.
The University Registrar took time to educate them on their Conditions of Service and sad that it is their responsibility to negotiate the Conditions of Service with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and not with the University.
He entreated them to endeavor to clean their respective accommodations, and pointed out that for the duration of his stay at his accommodation then he had been cleaning it.
The new Vice Chancellor and Principal in the last three months has had very successful meetings with the respective Staff Associations in the University and they had practically endorsed his initial reforms across the board and also assured him of their unflinching support at all times.
Mallam ‘O’ is an alumnus of Njala University and he was appointed caretaker Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University on March 31, 2020 to replace Professor Abdullah Mansaray.
By Sallieu S. Kanu
07/07/2020. ISSUE NO: 7860