The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, has threatened to embark on an indefinite protest against the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, over the alleged failure to implement the approved pension increase for retired workers despite a directive by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The union alleged that both institutions have continued to withhold the implementation of the pension adjustment approved by the Oyo State Government, a situation it described as unfair to retirees who devoted years of service to the institutions and the state. According to the pensioners, the continued delay has imposed additional financial hardship on many retirees struggling with rising living costs.
Speaking on behalf of the union, NUP leaders warned that unless the managements of the two institutions comply with the government’s directive, retirees would have no option but to commence peaceful but indefinite protests to press home their demands. They maintained that pensioners should not be compelled to fight repeatedly for benefits that have already received government approval.
The union appealed to Governor Makinde to ensure that all government agencies and tertiary institutions under the state’s supervision fully implement approved pension policies without discrimination, arguing that retirees deserve equal treatment irrespective of the institutions from which they retired.
The pensioners further noted that many of their members depend almost entirely on their monthly pensions to meet essential needs, including healthcare, feeding and housing, stressing that any delay or refusal to implement approved increases worsens their economic situation.
The development has drawn attention to the welfare of retired staff within public tertiary institutions, particularly at a time when inflation and the rising cost of living continue to place significant pressure on pensioners across the country. Labour and retiree organisations have consistently argued that prompt payment of pensions and implementation of approved reviews are critical to protecting the dignity and well-being of senior citizens after active service.
As of the time of the report, the union maintained that it remained open to dialogue but insisted that failure by the affected institutions to comply with the government’s directive would leave retirees with no alternative but to proceed with the planned industrial protest.
