Bamidele Olumilua University Commits N4 Billion to Retiree Welfare Over Five Years

The Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti, Professor Andrew Omojola, has reaffirmed his administration's dedication to the welfare of its retired staff. Professor Omojola addressed and dismissed claims suggesting the university had neglected its pension responsibilities. He clarified that the institution currently owes pension payments for August 2026 and half of July 2026, attributing these delays to a shortage of funds and a technical upgrade being carried out on their payment system by their banking partners.

This clarification follows a protest staged by some of the university's pensioners on Monday, September 14, over the non-payment of their entitlements. In a statement released on Wednesday in Ikere Ekiti, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the protest and assured the retirees that the payment delay was unintentional. He stated, "This delay is not intentional. Management is working assiduously and is hopeful that payment for August 2026 will be made on or before Friday, 19th September, 2026. We have also planned to pay the outstanding 50 per cent of July 2026 pension within the same period to alleviate the condition of our retirees. We have maintained consistent monthly pension payments and the August 2026 delay is the first occurrence."

Professor Omojola highlighted the university's significant financial commitment to its retirees, revealing that BOUESTI has spent over N4 billion on pension and gratuity obligations since 2021. He provided a detailed breakdown of these expenditures over the five-year period, which include N205.069 million for death pension, N570.693 million for gratuity, N165.094 million for pension arrears, and N3.939 billion for monthly pension payments. This sums up to a total of N4.88 billion.

The VC further emphasized the management's empathy for the pensioners' situation. He affirmed, "Management remains sensitive to the plight of our pensioners. We acknowledge their years of service and sacrifice to the university. We assure them that their welfare remains a top priority." He also mentioned that the university management had engaged with the executive committee of the retirees' association to explain the prevailing challenges before the protest occurred, expressing regret that this engagement did not prevent the demonstration.

Concluding his statement, Professor Omojola appealed to the retirees for calm as the university works to finalize payment processes. He also urged the general public to disregard any information that implies the university has abandoned its commitments to its pensioners.