Academic and non-academic staff at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, have expressed their gratitude to the university’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, for swiftly implementing a 35% pay raise for them within just 48 hours.
The Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, highlighted that this remarkable gesture was intended to alleviate the economic hardships brought about by the removal of fuel subsidies.
During a gathering of university staff, Olarinde said, “We have come to thank you with all our hearts for the 35% increase in our salaries. This is a divine dream that has come to pass. We have come to express our appreciation.”
Additionally, Dr. Supo Ijabadeniyi, a member of the university’s Governing Council, recalled the founder’s reassuring words during salary negotiations with the Federal Government. He stated, “When Nigerian workers were negotiating salary increases with the Federal Government, ABUAD’s founder told us, ‘e ma mikan’ (don’t worry), and gave us a 35% increase across the board. Within 48 hours, the increment appeared on our salaries. We are happy and we appreciate this gesture, sir.”
In response to the heartfelt appreciation from the university’s staff, Aare Afe Babalola conveyed his pride and gratitude, saying, “I am proud of you. Thank you for coming. God bless you.”
This generous and prompt response by the university’s founder has been well-received by the academic and non-academic staff, providing them with much-needed financial relief during these challenging times.