Oyo State Pensioners Seek Immediate Action on Approved Adjustments
The Oyo State Tertiary Institutions branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to address what it describes as the final hurdle preventing the implementation of an approved pension review for retirees from state-owned tertiary institutions. This appeal comes after months of delays and unmet expectations, leaving many pensioners in financial distress.
At a press briefing held at the NUP Secretariat in Agbarigo, Ibadan, Dr. Solomon Ladipo, the chairman of the tertiary institutions’ branch, praised Governor Makinde for his consistent efforts to improve the welfare of pensioners in the state. The event was attended by stakeholders and officials from various educational institutions, highlighting the significance of the issue.
Dr. Ladipo described the governor as a compassionate leader who has shown a strong commitment to easing the challenges faced by retirees. However, he expressed concern that pensioners from state-owned tertiary institutions—whose salaries are funded through government subventions—have not received the approved pension adjustments for the past 10 months.
He explained that the union had attempted to persuade the management of these institutions to implement the new rates but was met with resistance. According to Dr. Ladipo, the institutions claimed they could not proceed without an enabling circular from the state government.
Despite ongoing engagement with the heads of institutions and relevant ministries, no progress has been made. Dr. Ladipo noted that Governor Makinde had previously promised to issue the necessary circular and increase subventions to ensure the revised pension rates could be paid.
“Expectedly, this development raised our hopes to high heavens, and we started expecting the approved increments to reflect in our October 2025 pensions. Unfortunately, the October pensions were paid a few days ago without reflecting the expected adjustments,” he lamented.
As 2025 draws to a close, pensioners continue to face worsening inflation, making the implementation of the approved pension review even more critical. Dr. Ladipo emphasized that this adjustment remains the only viable cushion for retirees amid current economic challenges.
He also pointed out that other categories of pensioners in the state have already benefited from similar adjustments, underscoring the disparity faced by those in tertiary institutions.
While acknowledging the Makinde administration’s efforts in pension reforms, Dr. Ladipo praised the governor for restoring dignity to retirees in Oyo State. He highlighted how the state’s pensioners, once the subject of jokes, are now seen as leaders among their peers nationwide.
“Through his conscious rehabilitation, restoration, and transformation measures, Oyo State retirees that used to be the butt of all jokes are today the cynosure of all eyes. Oyo State pensioners are now primus inter pares—first among equals—when compared with their counterparts nationwide,” he said.
Comrade Banji Koleoso, the State Assistant Secretary, also spoke at the briefing. He expressed hope that the outcome of the event would bring relief to pensioners by the beginning of next month.
Key Issues Raised by the NUP
- Delays in Implementation: Pensioners have not received approved adjustments for 10 months.
- Lack of Enabling Circular: Institutions claim they cannot proceed without official directives from the government.
- Unfulfilled Promises: Governor Makinde had previously committed to issuing the necessary circular and increasing subventions.
- Economic Hardship: Inflation continues to impact retirees, making the pension review essential for their survival.
- Disparity Among Pensioners: Other categories of pensioners have already seen benefits, while tertiary institution retirees remain unaffected.