Delta govt moves to end degree, HND holders’ infighting in civil service

The Delta state government has taken steps to resolve the alleged infighting between Degree and Higher National Diploma holders in Civil Service while Verification Committee set up by the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday rounded off its exercise, Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Mike Okeme told journalists in Asaba that the State Government high power inter-ministerial committee waded into Cadre transfer issues that started brewing at the state Post Primary Education Board (PPEB), adding that terms of reference included to examine the contents of the approval granted, PPEB on Inter Cadre transfer matters for a better understanding interpretation, determine the Intre-Cadre transfer matters that were effected in compliance with the approval granted PPEB, examine, and make recommendations on those employed, promoted beyond Grade Level 14 with HND Certificate; examine the guidelines on Intre-Services, Intre State transfer, Vis-à-vis the national policy on education with regards to promotion issues, recommend modalities on how to affect future inter Cadre transfers in PPEB.

Mr. Okeme explained that the committee to submit its report to government was item No. 78 of the National Policy on Education (NPE) which hints at whether, or not teachers should be entitled to what they earned when on Inter Services or Inter State transfer.

He said: “we are awaiting interpretation of this item No. 78 from the Ministry of Justice. As soon as they furnish us with the outcome of their interpretation, we shall submit our report”

But for Former State Wing Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Comrade Jonathan Ojobu, was categorical when he stated inter alia: “it is very clear, unless the law is amended, the status quo remains.

For the teachers, if you do not upgrade beyond HND or NCE, you cannot go beyond level 14 as stipulated by the extent laws on this matter”. Investigation revealed that the disparity between the salaried of degree holders and that of HND/NCE is not exclusive of the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB), alone.

It is clear that since almost all the MDAs and parastatals are affected by this looming issue, the recommendation of the Comrade Mike Okeme led inter-ministerial committee will not only dovetail around the PPEB Staff but also set the precedence for a final determination of the matter in all government MDAs and indeed parastatals.

While not preempting the outcome of the committee’s report, impeccable sources posit that since no circular has emanated from the office of the Head of the Service (HOS) of the federation to that of Establishments and Pensions for onward domestication by the 36 states and FCT, the status quo indeed, will be maintained.

It is a travesty of justice for a HND holder to be on the same level, let alone boss his degree holder colleague when he (the degree holder) employ in offices cadres in the service and even earned his degree before the HND/OND/NCE holder.