Union leaders representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Senior Staff Association (SSA) of Federal College of Forestry, and Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, have strongly cautioned against the removal of the institute’s Director General, Zacharia Buba Yaduma.
In a joint congress of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of FRIN and Colleges, the leaders expressed their unwavering support for Yaduma’s administration and passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.
Yaduma, who assumed office on April 1, 2023 has earned the trust and appreciation of the union leaders due to his unwavering commitment to the welfare and advancement of FRIN’s workforce.
According to the union leaders, his tenure has witnessed a significant departure from past experiences, marked by a renewed emphasis on employees’ well-being and career growth.
Olubunmi Adetona, the NASU chairperson, highlighted the positive changes brought about by Yaduma’s leadership, stating, “We have some people at the maintenance and estate sections, whose promotions had been stagnant, but that has become history since Yaduma came on board.
“They have been promoted, and can even aspire to directorship positions, which was previously unattainable.
“He did that for us immediately he assumed office. He also gave drivers the opportunity to travel with him, a first in the history of FRIN, ensuring that their allowances were fully paid.”
Chairman of the SSA, Oluseyi Adejimi, also stated that Yaduma has been performing exceptionally well and called for the support of all stakeholders.
The union leaders believe that the institute’s atmosphere has become more peaceful under Yaduma’s leadership, and his commitment to the welfare of workers has garnered widespread satisfaction.
However, amidst the accolades from the union leaders and workers, there are concerns about efforts to remove Yaduma from his position, described by some as the work of “hawks.”
Despite these threats, the union leaders remain steadfast in their support for the director general, emphasising that the progress and positive changes witnessed at FRIN under his leadership should not be jeopardised.
The future of FRIN and its workforce hangs in the balance as the struggle for the director general’s position continues, with union leaders and workers standing united in their support for Zacharia Buba Yaduma’s administration.
