Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has announced that it will commence payment of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 to its workers starting December 2024.
The Chairman of KWASU's Governing Council, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, made this declaration during a meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) executives from the Ibadan Zone. The announcement was made at the institution’s Business School Council Chamber in Ilorin on Thursday.
Professor Ambali highlighted that the decision aligns with the university's commitment to fostering industrial harmony and boosting staff dedication to its vision. He emphasized that the institution shares ASUU’s philosophy of prioritizing workers’ welfare and a conducive working environment.
Beyond the minimum wage, KWASU has implemented several initiatives to enhance staff welfare, including:
- Salary Adjustments: Implementation of consequential salary adjustments.
- Educational Benefits: ₦100,000 school fees rebate for staff's biological children studying at the university.
- Support for Staff with Disabilities: A monthly stipend of ₦50,000 for staff members living with disabilities.
- Subsidized Transportation: Affordable transport services for staff commuting between Ilorin and Malete.
The council is also in active discussions with the state government to address ASUU’s concerns about the payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to its members.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Oyegoke Oyebamiji, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU’s Ibadan Zone, praised KWASU’s leadership for fostering understanding and cooperation between staff and management. He noted that this positive relationship has helped the university avoid industrial action.
Comrade Oyebamiji also called for increased funding for universities to ensure they effectively address societal needs. He urged the Kwara State Government to reinstate subvention to KWASU and fulfill its obligations regarding the Earned Academic Allowance.
The ASUU coordinator commended the union’s historical role in establishing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which has become a critical source of infrastructure and training support for Nigerian institutions.
