ABUAD approves N77,000 minimum wage for workers

The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has approved N77,000 as the minimum wage for workers of the institution with effect from November 2024.

The Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, disclosed this on Monday during an event marking the 15th anniversary of the commencement of academic activities at the institution.

Delivering her 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 ABUAD Staff Assessment and Performance Evaluation Review (SAPER) Report, she said the gesture from the founder was in fulfilment of his commitment to the welfare of the workers.

Professor Olarinde said that a total of 452 staff across various colleges were assessed during the period under review, including 40 Professors and 46 Readers who were recommended for external assessment.

The VC praised Babalola for his generosity, saying that the founder ensured the payment of the annual leave bonus for 2024 and made available the annual Christmas gift to all staff members.

According to her, “In November 2024, after the Federal Government announced a minimum wage of N70,000.00, the Founder made the decision to exceed this by adding an additional 10%, raising the minimum wage of ABUAD staff to N77,000.00 as against the N70,000.00 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government.

“To cap it all off, the founder ensured the payment of the annual leave bonus for 2024 and made available the annual Christmas gift to all staff members.

“This generous decision, following the earlier salary adjustment, demonstrates the Founder’s deep commitment to the well-being of every staff member of ABUAD.

“452 staff across various colleges were assessed, 40 Professors (PFQed) and 46 Readers (PFQed) were recommended for external assessment.”

On how staff were assessed, Olarinde explained that the ABUAD Staff Assessment and Performance Evaluation Review (SAPER) process is a structured system aimed at evaluating staff contributions, recognising strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering career growth.

“Established under the Founder/Chancellor’s leadership, it supports promotions, salary increments, and staff motivation to enhance productivity despite economic challenges.

“To streamline the process, assessment forms were redesigned using Google Docs for easier accessibility and submission. Completed forms were reviewed by department/unit heads and forwarded to the A&P board for consideration, with recommendations to the ABUAD A&P Committee led by the Vice-Chancellor. Final recommendations for promotions, increments, and bonuses were approved by the Founder/Chancellor,” she said.

   READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE