NIMR boils over 8-year retirement policy for research professors
ASURI and NIMR DG Clash Over Retirement Policy Dispute
The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) is preparing for a protracted confrontation with Professor John Obafunwa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). The clash centers on Obafunwa’s insistence on enforcing a controversial retirement policy alleged to disregard existing regulations and the rule of law.
The policy mandates that civil servants who ascend to the position of director retire after eight years. ASURI contends that this stipulation does not extend to Academic/Research Professors, who are entitled to similar terms as their university counterparts. The union argues that the Director-General’s position has been rendered void by a ruling from the National Industrial Court, as well as a policy statement issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Despite these legal precedents, Obafunwa maintains that the eight-year policy applies uniformly to all Academic/Research Professors, a stance that has drawn significant criticism. Employees have accused him of exercising authoritarian governance and of sidelining established legal directives which protect research faculty.
ASURI highlights that the ongoing implementation of the policy threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s research sector by potentially resulting in the premature dismissal of experienced professors. The union asserts that this move undermines important research initiatives and erodes valuable institutional knowledge.
The conflict began this year when a circular from the Head of the Civil Service did not include the customary exemption for research professors, contributing to confusion regarding the policy’s applicability. ASURI’s National Secretary, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, noted that the lack of response to their inquiries regarding this circular has fueled NIMR’s push to retire professors who have served in the director role for eight years.
In a key ruling on July 10, the National Industrial Court dismissed the retirement policy for education directors, affirming that educators are entitled to serve until they reach 65 years of age or complete 40 years of service. Justice Olufunke Anuwe ruled that the circular enforcing the eight-year limit contradicted the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act of 2022.
Despite this judicial ruling, claims of continued enforcement of the policy by certain Directors-General, including Obafunwa, have prompted repercussions. In April, ASURI initiated a warning strike and has since stated its intent to escalate actions against NIMR regarding the policy, which it views as a direct threat to academic freedom and professional stability.
The union’s demands include an immediate suspension of retirement actions based on the eight-year rule, recognition of research professors’ exemptions, and a commitment to abide by established retirement terms of 65 years or 40 years of service.
In a recent conflict escalation, NIMR issued notices to professors requiring them to relinquish government property and vacate their offices by August 31, which ASURI condemned as unjust and inconsistent with their contractual rights.
Speaking on the situation, ASURI has expressed readiness to take further action, including litigation if necessary, while questioning the validity of actions taken by Obafunwa post-judicial rulings.
In response to inquiries regarding recent accusations and the contentious retirement notices, Professor Obafunwa referred to a published rejoinder which he suggested encompasses his views on the matter, asserting that NIMR is currently operating without disputes.
The situation remains dynamic, as both ASURI and NIMR prepare for potential further developments in this ongoing dispute.
