Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved a new salary structure for lecturers at the University of Ilesa (UNILESA). The government stated that the pay rise is intended to improve welfare and retain academic staff at the institution.
New Salary Structure Takes Immediate Effect
The approval takes immediate effect and was formally communicated in an official letter dated May 29, 2026. According to the Nigerian Tribune, the letter was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. M.A.K. Jimoh, and sent to the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
The state government explained that the decision aims to improve the welfare of academic staff, boost morale, and prevent the movement of skilled lecturers to other institutions. Additionally, the plan is designed to help the university attract experienced academics and strengthen its reputation.
Pay Parity with Osun State University
The new salary structure aligns the compensation of UNILESA lecturers with that of their counterparts at Osun State University, Osogbo. This move is expected to create equity within the state's higher education system.
Vice-Chancellor Welcomes the Development
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILESA, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, welcomed the development and praised the governor for his consistent support for education and staff welfare. He stated that the new pay structure would encourage lecturers to invest more effort in teaching, research, and community service as the university strives for academic excellence.
Background on Salary Reforms in Nigeria
This development comes amid broader salary reforms in Nigeria's education sector. Previously, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cleared N3.67 billion in salary arrears owed to 6,293 workers in state-owned tertiary institutions. The payment covered nine months of outstanding entitlements arising from approved 25% and 35% salary increases for academic and non-academic staff.
Additional approvals in Lagos included N456.5 million for the Medical Residency Training Fund, N378.8 million in salary differentials, a N32,000 pension increment, and a N50,000 fuel palliative for public servants.
Furthermore, Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate discussions on raising the minimum wage to N100,000 amid ongoing economic reforms. He argued that improved state revenues and fiscal stability have strengthened the capacity of many states to meet higher wage obligations.
Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also called for a N500,000 minimum wage in Nigeria, emphasizing that essential workers such as police officers, soldiers, teachers, doctors, and nurses deserve living wages along with additional allowances.
