The Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, has said that transforming Nigeria’s education sector requires embracing uncommon approaches.
She also disclosed the approval of 77,000 naira new minimum wage by the founder, Aare Afe Babalola for academic and non-teaching staff of the private university.
Olarinde said promotions and salary increments was part of the legal icon’s support for the university staff to motivate and and enhance their productivity despite economic challenges.
She added that achieving quality and true transformation in the sector cannot be done by following the conventional path.
The professor of law spoke in Ado Ekiti during an event marking the 15th anniversary of the university ‘s commencement of academic activities.
She recalled that ABUAD begin its academic activities with first set of 240 students on Monday, the 4th of January, 2010 in its three pioneer Colleges, namely, College of Law, College of Social & Management Sciences and College of Sciences.
The ABUAD VC explained the uncommon approaches adopted by the university in the last 15 years of its existence made it to “stand out as a dazzling star amongst the galaxy of stars”.
According to her, “Over the years, we have attained this remarkable level of national and global recognition to the exceptional quality of graduates we produce. This success stems from providing impactful education and training that goes beyond earning degrees, focussing equally on integrity, character development and fostering hard work.
“Consider the expanse of this university, from the departments to colleges, to directorates , residential complexes , academic programmes ranging from under graduates to postgraduates, open distance learning and part-time studies, thousands of graduates produced and impact they are making wherever they go.
“Reflect on the ABUAD Multisystem Hospital and its life changing contributions to healthcare, restoring countless patients to a productive and healthy life, our Industrial Power Plant, Industrial Park, Planetarium, Bio diversified Farms , Founders Annual Agricultural Grants, the Talent Discovery Centre, ABUAD FM 88.1, the nearing completion Olympic-standard swimming pool, and countless other accomplishments.”
She said all these were made possible by the incredible power of vision and relentless commitment of the founder, Aare Afe Babalola.
Speaking further on the approved staff salary increase and welfare, Prof. Olarinde said, “It is worthy of note that in September 2023, following significant economic shifts due to subsidy removal and currency unification, the Founder approved a 35% salary increase for all staff across all the University divisions.
“Also, in 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 N70,000.00 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government.
“To cap it all up, the founder ensured payment of the annual leave bonus for 2024 and made available the annual Christmas gift to all staff members.”