In a move that brings hope to state workers, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State announced on Saturday in Ibadan that his administration will soon commence the payment of a N70,000 minimum wage to state employees. This announcement was made during an address to primary school teachers as part of the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration.
Minimum Wage Negotiation to Begin Soon
Governor Makinde revealed that negotiations on the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage will begin in the coming week. This process will determine how the new wage structure will be implemented across different sectors of the state workforce.
Extension of Wage Award Payment
In addition to the minimum wage announcement, the governor extended the ongoing wage award payment by three months, covering the period from October to December. He clarified that once negotiations are concluded, the wage award would be replaced by the full implementation of the new minimum wage.
“We have extended the wage award by three months, and if we are able to conclude the negotiation within this period, we will drop the wage award payment and shift to the minimum wage payment,” Mr. Makinde explained.
Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare
Governor Makinde also emphasized the crucial role teachers play in nation-building, reiterating his administration’s commitment to their welfare. He highlighted that for any country to achieve development, it must prioritize education, and teachers serve as the key drivers of that sector.
Recognizing the impact of teachers on Oyo State’s education system, the governor urged them to continue supporting his administration in its efforts to uplift the state’s educational standards.
Appeal from the NUT Chairman
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, Raji Oladimeji, expressed his gratitude to the governor for his efforts to improve workers’ welfare. He also appealed for the swift completion of the ongoing teachers’ recruitment process to ensure that new teachers can be quickly deployed to classrooms across the state.
Mr. Oladimeji commended Governor Makinde’s concern for teachers and encouraged him to continue prioritizing their welfare in his administration’s policies.
