In a major relief for workers at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, the Edo State Government has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for staff of the institution—marking a significant leap from the N18,000 monthly salary they had received for years.
The development comes barely a week after Nelsdaily reported on the university management’s outcry over the prolonged neglect of staff welfare. The approval was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Chief Dan Orbih, following the Council’s 235th Regular Meeting held between April 3 and April 4, 2025.
In a statement issued by Mike Ade Aladenika, Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information and Public Relations of the institution, dated April 10, the Council’s decision was warmly received by the university’s various staff unions, who described the move as “long overdue.”
Union leaders praised the Council’s proactive stance, contrasting it with the past administration’s reluctance to implement the wage increase approved for public service workers across the state. “Our members had been on N18,000 minimum wage while their counterparts in other sectors earned N70,000,” Aladenika said. “Under the previous government, all efforts to secure the wage adjustment were unsuccessful, and those who pushed for it were even victimized.”
He added that the recent decision required no protest or pressure from the unions—an indication of the Governing Council’s commitment to improving worker welfare.
Chief Dan Orbih confirmed that the Council’s approval aligns with recommendations from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the new wage will take immediate effect.
“This decision is part of broader, well-thought-out policies designed to reposition the university and enhance staff morale,” Orbih said, urging staff to remain committed and promising additional incentives for dedication and performance.
The announcement signals a turning point in staff welfare at the state-owned institution and sets a hopeful tone for future administrative reforms.
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