By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

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The Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa, has implemented the new minimum wage for staff, effective from February 2025. The decision followed months of agitations by university workers, marking a significant step in addressing staff welfare concerns.

Prof. Ologunorisa,  reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring fair compensation for staff, particularly in the light of prevailing economic challenges. The implementation of the new wage structure is expected to enhance the standard of living for employees.

Alongside the wage review, the Vice-Chancellor has also settled outstanding arrears owed to staff. The move has been widely welcomed within the university community, with staff and union leaders lauding it as a morale booster.

Mr. Oluwaseyi Akeremale, a university staff member, expressed satisfaction with the development, stating, “I’m really impressed that the annual increment and promotion arrears have been paid, and that the new minimum wage is being implemented. It will go a long way in easing my burden.”

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), OAUSTECH branch, Dr. Rotimi Olorunisola, also praised the Vice-Chancellor’s action, noting, “This is a welcome development, and we commend the Vice-Chancellor for his efforts. However, we still have some outstanding issues that need to be addressed, and we are sure that the Vice-Chancellor will continue to work with us to resolve them.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), OAUSTECH chapter, Mr. Dayo Temola, acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s intervention, remarking, “We appreciate the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to staff welfare. The payment of outstanding arrears and implementation of the new minimum wage is a significant step towards addressing our concerns. We look forward to continued collaboration and improvement in staff welfare.”

Mr. Kunle Akinwonmi, Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), OAUSTECH branch, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are grateful to the Vice-Chancellor for implementing the new minimum wage and paying outstanding arrears. This will go a long way in improving the welfare of our members.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), OAUSTECH branch, Mr. Davies Bobola, commended the initiative, stating, “We appreciate the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to staff welfare.

 The implementation of the new minimum wage and payment of outstanding arrears is a significant step towards addressing our concerns. We look forward to continued collaboration and improvement in staff welfare.”

The university’s staff had staged protests last year, demanding the implementation of the minimum wage award, settlement of arrears, and an increase in the institution’s monthly subvention. The Vice-Chancellor’s recent actions underscore his dedication to addressing these concerns.

With improved staff welfare and morale, OAUSTECH is positioned to make greater strides in academic and research excellence.