The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, the strengthening of cooperative societies, and the acceleration of infrastructural development across the University.
Professor Ayodele gave the assurance while commissioning the newly completed Secretariat of the National Association of Women Academics Cooperative Society, NAWACS, EKSU Chapter, on the University campus.
Describing cooperative societies as critical partners in staff development and economic empowerment, the Vice-Chancellor said the University Management would continue to support initiatives that promote human capital development and institutional growth.
He noted that the steady growth of cooperative societies in EKSU reflects his administration’s commitment to the prompt remittance of cooperative deductions, a policy that has further strengthened the cordial relationship between Management and staff.
Congratulating the leadership and members of NAWACS on the completion of the edifice, Professor Ayodele said the building has added aesthetic value to the University landscape and stands as a legacy of visionary leadership.
He paid tribute to the founding members of the Society, particularly Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Professor Egunjobi, and the late Professor Odu, for laying the foundation that culminated in the successful execution of the project.
The Vice-Chancellor described the decision to name the 500-capacity hall after the late Professor Odu as a well-deserved honour for one of the Society’s pioneering members.
Professor Ayodele urged the Executive members of NAWACS to sustain unity and harmony within the Cooperative. He emphasized that the University would not interfere in the internal administration or financial management of staff cooperative societies, as such responsibilities rest with the Ekiti State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
He also encouraged the Society to expand its membership base to strengthen its financial capacity and enable the execution of more impactful projects.
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to all staff unions to sustain the peaceful industrial atmosphere currently enjoyed in the University, noting that uninterrupted academic activities have enhanced the institution’s reputation.
Professor Ayodele assured members of the non-teaching staff that the 35 per cent CONTA salary and allowances adjustment recently approved by the Federal Government would be implemented alongside accrued arrears.
“We have started the implementation of CATA, and now CONTA has been approved for non-teaching staff. We are going to pay it together with the arrears. No member of staff, whether academic or non-teaching, will be denied any legitimate entitlement,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also clarified concerns surrounding the ongoing submission of documents for the Group Life Insurance Scheme. He explained that the policy is a statutory requirement under the National Contributory Pension Scheme and does not involve any salary deduction from employees.
“It is a requirement of the Contributory Pension Scheme that every staff member must be covered by life insurance. The University bears the responsibility for this insurance, and there is no financial deduction whatsoever from staff salaries,” Professor Ayodele stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructural transformation, Professor Ayodele disclosed that three major TETFund-sponsored projects, the Professorial Office Complex, Nursing Science Complex, and Scholars’ Village at the College of Medicine would soon be commissioned.
He also announced plans to remodel several ageing structures, including the Works Department, Old Arts, Science, Engineering and DALAR buildings, to give the institution a modern outlook.
“We are determined to transform the physical environment of EKSU. Within the next few months, many of the old structures across the campus will undergo comprehensive remodeling to give the University a completely new look,” he said.
Earlier in her address, the President of NAWACS, Professor (Mrs.) O.A. Adegun, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for honouring the invitation despite his busy schedule.
She recalled that the foundation of the project was laid in 2016 during the tenure of the immediate past President, Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade.
Professor Adegun disclosed that the facility comprises eight lock-up shops, six offices, and a restaurant with an attached kitchen. She also acknowledged the Ekiti State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives for its professional guidance throughout the project.
The event was attended by principal officers, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Professor I.A. Ajayi, Professor O.G.E. Arowosoge, Provosts, Deans, Directors, and other members of the University community.
