The Rivers state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Governing Council of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) to recommence the employment process that was cancelled last year because of irregularities.
Governor Fubara gave the directive while inaugurating the newly reconstituted governing council of the institution at Government House in Port Harcourt Wednesday.
The governor warned them against going against the initial approval of 869 staff, with quotas specified for the academic and non-academic staff.
Governor Fubara said the emphasise is on engaging persons on merit, not on any other considerations.
This is because, he noted, competent persons as lecturers, when engaged, would offer the best grooming to students for the good of society.
He said: “I know the good people of Rivers state and the most energetic youth are waiting to hear something from me, and this is about the employment that was cancelled.
“Let me here and now approve the recommencement of employment of members of staff, both academic and non-academic, for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education with this pronouncement.
“That employment exercise must be strictly on the basis of the initial approval of 869 with a percentage for the academic and non- academic staff.”
Governor Fubara further said: “In the higher institutions, what is needed is academic staff and not too much of non-academic staff.
“Therefore, pro-chancellor and members of council, make sure that the exercise is strictly based on the approval, and those to be employed must be on merit basis and not man-no-man.”
