Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has increased the gross salary of his staff members by 35 per cent.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the legal Icon explained that the increment was part of his efforts at cushioning the effects of subsidy removal on his staff.

Babalola stated that the gross salary increment to all cadres of staff is in line with the Federal Government’s newly approved consolidated University Salary Structure.

The ABUAD founder noted that an average Nigerian is going through very hard and unpleasant time as a result of the sudden removal of subsidy.

According to him, the value of the naira has continued to fall and there is no genuine efforts being made to boost the value of the Nigerian currency.

“This is my little way of helping my staff to reduce the pain caused by the removal of subsidy. I have directed that all my workers must benefit from the 35 per cent irrespective of their level,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, who spoke on behalf of the management, expressed gratitude to the founder for the kind gesture, describing it as unprecedented.

She said the management and staff of the university would reciprocate the gesture by not letting Babalola down.

Earlier, the workers of the institution, who assembled at the ‘White Rock,’ which is the administrative building of the university, hailed the founder for his contribution towards the development of agriculture, health, sports and law, adding that the increment would enable workers to perform their duties with ease without getting distracted by the hardship of the country.

They expressed their readiness to work harder for the process of the university and make it the best institution, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.