….Assures Payment of CONTA for Non-Teaching Staff, Promises Modern EKSU Through Massive Infrastructures
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting staff welfare, strengthening cooperative societies, and accelerating infrastructural development across the University.
Professor Ayodele gave the assurance while commissioning the newly completed Secretariat of the National Association of Women Academics Cooperative Society (NAWACS), EKSU Chapter, on the University campus.
The Vice-Chancellor described cooperative societies as critical partners in staff development and economic empowerment, stressing that the University Management would continue to support initiatives that promote human capital development and institutional growth.
He noted that the steady growth of cooperative societies in the University is a testament to his administration’s commitment to the prompt release of cooperative deductions, a development that has further strengthened the cordial relationship between Management and staff.
Congratulating the leadership and members of NAWACS on the completion of the edifice, Professor Ayodele said the building has added aesthetic value to the University landscape while serving as a lasting legacy of visionary leadership.
He paid glowing tribute to the founding members of the Cooperative Society, particularly Prof. (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Prof. Egunjobi and the late Prof. Odu, for laying a solid foundation that has culminated in the successful execution of impactful projects.
He described the decision to name the hall after the late Prof. Odu as a well deserved tribute to one of the Society’s pioneering members.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the Executive members of NAWACS to sustain the unity and harmony within the Cooperative, emphasizing that the University would not interfere in the internal administration or financial management of staff cooperative societies, as such responsibilities rest with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
He also encouraged the Society to expand its membership base in order to strengthen its financial capacity and execute more impactful projects for members.
Professor Ayodele appealed to all staff unions to sustain the peaceful industrial atmosphere currently enjoyed in the University, noting that uninterrupted academic activities have continued to enhance the institution’s reputation.
He assured members of the non-teaching staff that the 35 per cent CONTA salary and allowances adjustment, recently approved by the Federal Government, would be implemented alongside the accrued arrears.
_”We have started the implementation of CATA, and now CONTA has been approved for non-teaching staff. We are going to pay it together with the arrears. No member of staff, whether academic or non-teaching, will be denied any legitimate entitlement,” he said._
The Vice-Chancellor further clarified concerns surrounding the ongoing submission of documents for the Group Life Insurance Scheme for staff members, explaining that the policy is a statutory requirement under the National Contributory Pension Scheme.
He explained that the insurance cover is designed to provide financial protection for the families of deceased staff members and does not require any salary deduction from employees.
_”It is a requirement of the Contributory Pension Scheme that every staff member must be covered by life insurance. The University bears the responsibility for this insurance, and there is no financial deduction whatsoever from staff salaries,” Professor Ayodele stated._
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructural transformation, Professor Ayodele disclosed that three major TETFund-sponsored projects—the Professorial Office Complex, Nursing Science Complex and Scholars’ Village at the College of Medicine—would soon be commissioned.
He also announced plans to remodel several ageing buildings constructed in the early years of the University, including the Works Department, Old Arts, Science, Engineering and DALAR buildings, to give the institution a modern and befitting outlook.
_”We are determined to transform the physical environment of EKSU. Within the next few months, many of the old structures across the campus will undergo comprehensive remodeling to give the University a completely new look,” he said._
Earlier in her address, the President of NAWACS, Professor (Mrs.) O.A. Adegun, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for honouring the invitation to commission the building despite his busy schedule.
She recalled that the foundation of the project was laid in 2016 during the administration of the immediate past President of the Society, Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade, and expressed gratitude to members for their commitment towards completing the project.
Professor Adegun disclosed that the facility comprises eight lock-up shops, six offices, a restaurant with an attached kitchen, while a 500-capacity hall, to be named after the late Professor Odu, is currently under construction.
She also appreciated officials of the Ekiti State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives for their professional guidance and supervision throughout the execution of the project.
The event attracted the principal officers, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Professor I.A. Ajayi, Professor O.G.E. Arowosoge, Provosts, Deans, Directors, and other distinguished members of the University community.
