Right Of Reply
The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has clarified that some complaints made by the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) were not ignored or swept under the carpet by NIMR Management but were formally taken up by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which subsequently convened meetings involving all the relevant stakeholders.
In a statement issued by Sam Eferaro, Media Consultant to the institute, he said despite the fact that many aspects of the issues raised by the union were not correct, the clarification was necessary to set the records straight and ensure that the public was properly informed.
According to the statement, “The parties met on four different occasions in Abuja, following which an agreement was reached and signed by ASURI, represented by its Secretary-General, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku; NIMR, represented by its Director-General, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa; and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, represented by the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Mr Amos Falonipe.
“The agreement was the outcome of exhaustive discussions and consideration of the issues raised by ASURI. It is therefore expected that all parties will respect and abide by the terms of the agreement reached under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“It is also important to clarify that, despite the fact that some ASURI members remained on strike for three weeks after the agreement was signed, neither NIMR Management, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare nor the Ministry of Labour and Employment chose to apply punitive measures against them. The Institute opted instead for restraint, dialogue and the preservation of industrial harmony. Contrary to any impression that may have been created, NIMR continued to function normally before, during and after the four-month industrial action embarked upon by some ASURI members. “Management therefore appreciates the many ASURI members who did not participate in the action, including Heads of Departments/Units and some Directors. NIMR particularly acknowledges the leadership and members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRAI), who remained committed to their duties and ensured that the Institute’s activities continued without interruption. Management also welcomes back those who participated in the industrial action and remains committed to maintaining a harmonious working relationship with all members of staff.
“It is worth noting that, even while the industrial dispute was ongoing, NIMR Management continued to demonstrate goodwill towards the ASURI members of staff. When the promotion exercise commenced, applications for promotion from members of ASURI who were actively on strike at that time were still considered for promotion, and their cases were duly presented before representatives of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, who participated in and moderated the exercise. This was done in keeping with the Institute’s responsibility to treat its staff fairly and in the interest of maintaining industrial peace. NIMR Management believes that such gestures of goodwill should reinforce the spirit of continued dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to established agreements.
On the eight-year tenure policy
“The issue of the implementation of the eight-year tenure policy for Directors is not a policy formulated by NIMR, nor is it a matter that should be attributed to the personal decision of the Director-General. NIMR, as a Federal Government research institution, is required to implement applicable government policies and directives. The two separate government directives relating to the tenure policy were transmitted to the Institute and the affected officers were provided copies of the relevant government instructions. Where any staff member or union believes that a government directive is unacceptable, it should approach the relevant government authority with a superior argument. Indeed, ASURI was advised by both the Institute and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to pursue any such disagreement through the appropriate channels.
“NIMR Management therefore considers it unnecessary for ASURI leadership to continue to personalise the implementation of a Federal Government policy and attribute such policy to the Director-General. The Institute remains focused on its statutory mandate of medical research and on creating an environment in which researchers and other staff can carry out their responsibilities effectively.
On NIMR’s preparedness for disease outbreaks
“It is equally important to correct the impression that NIMR is unprepared to contribute to Nigeria’s response to serious infectious disease outbreaks. As the nation’s foremost medical research institution, NIMR has continued to build and deploy research capacity in infectious diseases and has collaborated with relevant national and international partners in responding to emerging and re-emerging health threats. In fact, the institute has, since the outbreak of Ebola infection in Central Africa, submitted an Ebola preparedness proposal to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. It is also collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on relevant preparedness efforts. “Above all, Nigerians are aware of the fact that the Federal Government, through relevant stakeholders, has paid required attention to this and is on top of the situation. This matter should not in any way be turned into a political issue by any individual or organization. NIMR will continue to work with the appropriate government agencies in support of Nigeria’s response to emerging and re-emerging health threats. The insinuation that the Institute lacks the capacity to contribute to the country’s preparedness and response to public-health emergencies is without basis.
“Lastly, NIMR Management has no interest in prolonging an industrial dispute that has already been subjected to extensive discussion, mediation and conclusion by the appropriate government authorities. What is required at this stage is for all parties to respect the signed agreement, return fully to the path of dialogue and work together in the interest of the Institute and the nation’s health research agenda.
NIMR remains committed to research excellence, staff welfare, industrial harmony and the advancement of Nigeria’s medical research capacity”.
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