By Ayodele Abere
The Joint Action Committee of workers’ unions at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, BOUESTI, Ikere-Ekiti, comprising Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has called on the Ekiti State Government to increase the institution’s funding and urgently address outstanding salary arrears and welfare issues to avert a possible shutdown of academic activities.
In a press briefing held at the main campus of the Institution Ikere-Ekiti on Wednesday, the union leaders, Comrades Tope Babalola, Ayotunde Ojo and Ademola Adegboye stated that workers are currently owed 11 months out of 14 months of arrears relating to the 25 per cent salary increment. According to them, only three months of the arrears have been paid to date.
The unions also expressed concern over the delay in the payment of July salaries, noting that the situation has placed workers under significant financial strain at a time when schools are preparing to resume in September.
The union leaders noted that despite several attempts to engage the state government, the issues remain unresolved. They stated that following the election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the three unions wrote congratulatory letters and requested an audience to present their challenges. They, however, expressed disappointment that the requests have not yielded the desired response.
The unions described the current monthly subvention to BOUESTI as inadequate to meet the institution’s rising wage bill. They explained that the implementation of recent salary agreements has significantly increased personnel costs, while the university’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, remains limited due to the institution’s relatively low tuition fees.
The unions acknowledged that the university has received capital grants from the Ekiti State Government since its establishment on October 16, 2020. They, however, stressed that a higher level of financial commitment is required to ensure the sustainability of the university as it approaches its sixth anniversary.
The unions further rejected suggestions that community contributions from indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti can substitute for government funding. While acknowledging the community’s role in the take-off of the university, they stated that BOUESTI now serves students and staff from across Nigeria and therefore requires consistent and sustainable government support.
The unions emphasized that their approach remains one of appeal rather than confrontation. They urged Governor Oyebanji to intervene urgently to prevent an escalation of the situation.
They warned that failure to increase the university’s subvention and to clear outstanding entitlements may compel them to embark on industrial action, including a shutdown of the university, as a last resort.
The unions reaffirmed their commitment to the growth and stability of BOUESTI and called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring the continued smooth operation of the institution.
