News
PLASU Vice Chancellor Seeks Enhanced Support from Plateau Local Government Ministry
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU), Prof. Shadrach Best, led a delegation to the Plateau State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on Thursday, January 9, 2025, to strengthen collaboration and secure greater support for the institution.
The delegation engaged in a high-level meeting with the Commissioner, Chief Ephraim Usman, and representatives of local governments to discuss pressing challenges facing the university and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
During the meeting, Prof. Best acknowledged the crucial role of local governments as co-owners of PLASU and commended the commission for maintaining its funding contributions despite financial constraints.
He highlighted key issues affecting the university, including insufficient water supply, lack of adequate staff housing, transportation challenges, and growing security threats, especially for off-campus students vulnerable to criminal activities. Prof. Best appealed for increased support in staff training, logistics, and transportation while expressing gratitude for the commission’s ongoing commitment.
In his response, the Hon Commissioner Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman lauded the visit and recognized the pivotal role of PLASU in Plateau State’s educational advancement. He acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by local governments but assured the university of the commission’s dedication to addressing its challenges. Chief Usman pledged to boost support through increased remittances and collaborations with philanthropists and external stakeholders to enhance infrastructure and security. He also praised the state government for granting autonomy to the commission, enabling it to undertake proactive measures.
Hon. Nicholas Nshe, Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council and representative of the 17 local government chairmen reaffirmed the collective commitment of local governments to supporting PLASU. He emphasized the importance of education in driving societal development and pledged action on critical requests such as improved water supply and enhanced security. Highlighting past contributions like the drilling of boreholes, Hon. Nshe assured that local governments would work together to provide sustainable solutions.
The meeting underscored a shared determination among PLASU, the commission, and local governments to address the university’s challenges and foster a secure and thriving academic environment. Promises of increased collaboration and tangible interventions offer hope for resolving PLASU’s pressing needs and enhancing its role in Plateau State’s development.
Prof. Best, Chief Usman, and Hon. Nshe reiterated their commitment to the progress of PLASU and pledged to strengthen partnerships that would bolster the university’s contribution to the state’s educational and socio-economic growth.
Business
ICJ Affirms Right to Strike as Global Landmark Victory, Sparks Debate Between Labor and NECA
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The organized labor movement on Monday hailed a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirming that the right to strike is implicit in Convention 87 as a landmark victory for workers worldwide.
However, the ruling has sparked a fresh domestic debate, with labor representatives strongly criticizing the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) for attempting to downplay the judgment’s impact.
The controversy escalated following a television appearance by the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde.
Speaking on TVC, Oyerinde argued that the right to strike is not automatic and asserted that workers must still adhere strictly to existing local labor laws, specifically citing Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act (TDA).
He also suggested that a meeting of social partners to establish complimentary conditions remains a necessary precondition before any strike action can be declared.
Labor representatives quickly fired back, labeling Oyerinde’s remarks as an “unnecessary academic exercise in futility” and a selective interpretation of international law. Critics accused the NECA boss of being economical with the historical background of the dispute, pointing out that the issue had already undergone exhaustive debate across various levels of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The legal battle began when the global Employers’ Group challenged whether the right to strike was protected under Convention 87.
After the ILO Governing Board affirmed the right through a majority decision, the Employers’ Group appealed the matter to the ICJ. As the highest judicial body in the world, the ICJ’s subsequent ruling in favor of workers is considered definitive and legally binding.
Labor advocates emphasize that Nigeria ratified Convention 87 in 1960, signaling a long-standing commitment to its principles. They argue that following the ICJ’s conclusive verdict, both the Nigerian government and employer bodies like NECA are obligated to obey the law unconditionally rather than selectively hiding behind local statutes to weaken workers’ rights.
Reassuring the public and the business community, labor stakeholders maintained that a strike has never been the first option for workers, but rather a last resort. They cautioned that an adversarial interpretation of the ICJ ruling by employers would only harm industrial harmony, urging instead for mutual respect and total adherence to international legal frameworks to guide future industrial relations in Nigeria.
The post ICJ Affirms Right to Strike as Global Landmark Victory, Sparks Debate Between Labor and NECA appeared first on Business Today NG.
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