Pension row: Oyo retirees threaten protest against varsity, teaching hospital

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Oyo State has announced plans for an indefinite protest against the management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH Teaching Hospital) in Ogbomoso and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. The union accuses these institutions of defying Governor Seyi Makinde's directive regarding pension increases.

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We are here to intimate the public with what we consider a gross act of insubordination by some Chief Executive Officers of Oyo State tertiary institutions who believe they are greater than the directives of the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.

Segun Abatan, the state secretary of the NUP, stated that sustained protests would commence on August 18, 2026, if the demands are not met. Abatan accused some chief executive officers of state-owned tertiary institutions of acting with "gross insubordination" and placing themselves above the governor's authority. He recalled that Governor Makinde had approved a minimum monthly pension of N25,000 for the lowest-paid pensioners in January 2025, effective from the same month.

The governor's directive also included incorporating all outstanding pension increases into retirees' pensions. These adjustments encompass the 33 percent pension increase from 2010, the 2019 consequential adjustment, a 20 percent increase effective January 2024, and N17,500 out of an approved N32,000 increase effective August 2024.

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There was no circular to that effect. Those organs of government believe that any directive from the governor is law with or without a circular and must be carried out strictly.

Abatan noted that while most government agencies responsible for pension payments implemented the governor's directive immediately, even without a formal circular, the tertiary institutions' boards and managements initially refused. They reportedly insisted on a formal circular before compliance. Following engagement by the union, institutions like Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, and Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, eventually complied. However, the NUP claims the Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education provided assurances that were not fulfilled, and the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital management has also not fully complied.

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We were warmly received by the vice-chancellor and were led to believe he would fulfil his promise. Little did we know that we were being fooled.