Ekiti varsity pensioners appeal to Oyebanji over unpaid entitlements

Pensioners of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, have appealed to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to urgently intervene in the payment of their outstanding pensions and other entitlements.

Their umbrella body, BOUESTI Pensioners Association, said its members were facing severe hardship following the non-payment of their August 2026 pension, while 50 per cent of the July pension had not been paid.

The association made the appeal in a letter dated September 7, 2026, made available in Ado Ekiti on Monday, signed by its Chairman, Dr Kola Ajaja, and Public Relations Officer, Alao Odeyemi, and addressed to Governor Oyebanji in his capacity as Visitor to the institution.

The pensioners stated that “the delay had subjected members to financial hardship, ill-health and, in some cases, untimely deaths, particularly as many of us depend on our monthly pensions for medication and basic welfare.”

The association, which also alleged that the university management was heavily indebted to pensioners over outstanding gratuities and other entitlements, called on Oyebanji to use his office to ensure the immediate payment of their outstanding entitlements.

They listed them to include “full payment of the August 2026 pension; payment of the remaining 50 per cent arrears of the July pension; settlement of arrears arising from the new minimum wage and the 20–28 per cent pension increase; implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment in pension; and payment of outstanding gratuities.

“We have chosen to send this appeal to you (the governor) rather than embark on public protests because we believe that you will answer our prayers with utmost urgency,” the pensioners said.

According to the pensioners, prompt intervention by the governor would enable them to meet their healthcare and other basic needs and prevent further avoidable deaths.