Since their employment at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, physically-challenged employees under the Association of UNIZIK Staff with Disabilities have been facing significant financial distress due to unpaid salaries. Since 2020, these ten employees have been unable to receive their remuneration because they have not been captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) necessary for salary payments. This systematic oversight has left them in a precarious position where they are expected to fulfill their work obligations without any financial compensation, compelling them to seek intervention from higher authorities.
In a heartfelt appeal, the group has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to facilitate their official inclusion in the IPPIS database. The letter highlights their sense of abandonment, noting that despite their active roles since 2020, they have not been compensated for their services. While they acknowledge that there might have been attempts from the university administration to integrate them into the IPPIS, those efforts have proven futile, especially given that capturing exercises were conducted in December 2020 and May 2023 without their inclusion. The emotionally charged letter reflects their ongoing struggle as they navigate their professional responsibilities while dealing with severe financial repercussions.
The employees expressed increasing desperation over their situation, with some suffering from underlying health conditions complicating their financial struggles further. They communicated that the lack of income has made it increasingly difficult to manage their health effectively, resulting in a heartbreaking level of helplessness among the group. This financial crisis has profoundly impacted their quality of life and ability to contribute to society, pushing them to solicit not only the President’s assistance but also the engagement of relevant government bodies to remove the bureaucratic barriers in their way.
In response to this urgent appeal, the staff with disabilities are hoping for a constructive intervention from President Tinubu, expecting that he would act compassionately, given his previous expressions of concern for the physically-challenged population. The letter commendably draws attention to the president’s prior commitment to disability issues, as demonstrated in a nationwide address during Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary. Their anticipation of a favorable resolution underscores their vulnerability and reliance on government support to rectify their financial grievances.
Despite making numerous complaints and reaching out to various authorities, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Special Assistant on Disability Matters, their situation remains unresolved. This neglect from the corresponding governmental offices signals broader systemic issues within the administration’s handling of the welfare of differently-abled employees. The lack of follow-up actions or tangible solutions from these significant entities is disheartening and raises questions regarding the commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
Overall, the plea from the physically-challenged employees at UNIZIK serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for structural reforms within the payroll system to ensure that all employees, regardless of their physical conditions, receive their rightful compensation. Their story emphasizes the importance of governmental accountability, and the necessity for institutions like the IPPIS to address systemic flaws impacting vulnerable populations. As they await a response from President Tinubu and other governmental agencies, the hope remains that their collective voices will not only bring attention to their plight but also foster an environment where inclusivity is genuinely prioritized.
