President Bola Tinubu has approved the exit of public universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, or IPPIS.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, made the disclosure on Wednesday, shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
He added that what the approval meant was that the management of these public tertiary institutions would now start paying their staff with their own payment platforms
The approval to exclude public universities and polytechnics from IPPIS carries several implications for these institutions. One of the immediate consequences is their newfound autonomy in managing their payroll processes. This autonomy allows institutions to tailor their payment systems to better suit their unique needs and circumstances.
Additionally, the decision may contribute to fostering a more collaborative and consultative approach between the government and the academic community. By acknowledging the concerns raised by the institutions and approving their exit from IPPIS, President Tinubu’s administration shows a willingness to address the specific needs of the tertiary education sector.
While the move towards autonomy in payroll management is a positive step, it also poses challenges that public universities and polytechnics must navigate. Establishing and maintaining efficient payment platforms requires financial resources, technological infrastructure, and administrative capabilities. Institutions will need to invest in these areas to ensure a smooth transition from IPPIS to their independent systems.
On the flip side, the decision opens up opportunities for innovation and customization. With control over their payroll processes, institutions can explore modern technologies, implement tailored solutions, and address specific challenges faced by their academic and non-academic staff.
Shedding more light on the development, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris said: “Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated payroll and personnel information system.
“You will recall that the university authorities and the others have been clamouring for the exemption of the universities and other tertiary institutions from this system.”
He stated that the council acceded to the request of the tertiary institutions to be allowed to exit the payment platform.
He added that what the approval meant was that the management of these public tertiary institutions would now start paying their staff with their own payment platforms.
“Today, Council has graciously approved that. What that means is that going forward, the universities, like the Minister of Education has said, and other tertiary institutions, the polytechnics and colleges of education, will be taken off the IPPIS.
“What that means in simple language is that the university authorities and other tertiary institutions will now be paying their own personnel from their own end instead of relying on the IPPIS.”
