Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has approved N77,000 as minimum wage for staff of the institution, with effect from November 2024.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, disclosed this yesterday in her 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 ABUAD Staff Assessment and Performance Evaluation Review (SAPER) Report at the 15th anniversary of commencement of academic activities of the institution.

She said a total of 452 staff across various colleges were assessed during the period under review, including 40 Professors and 46 Readers, who were recommended for external assessment.

Olarinde lauded Babalola for his generosity, saying the founder ensured payment of yearly leave bonus for 2024, and provided staffers with Christmas gifts.

Her words: “In November 2024, after the Federal Government announced a minimum wage of N70,000, the Founder made the decision to exceed this by adding an additional 10 per cent, raising the minimum wage of ABUAD staff to N77,000.00 as against N70,000.00 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government.

“To cap it all, the founder ensured payment of the annual leave bonus for 2024, and made available the annual Christmas gift to all staff members.

“This generous decision, following the earlier salary adjustment, demonstrates the Founder’s deep commitment to the well-being of every staff member of ABUAD.

“452 staff across various colleges were assessed. Forty Professors (PFQed) and 46 Readers (PFQed) were recommended for external assessment.”On how staff were assessed, Olarinde explained that the ABUAD Staff Assessment and Performance Evaluation Review (SAPER) process is a structured system aimed at evaluating staff contributions, recognising strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering career growth. 

“Established under the Founder/Chancellor’s leadership, it supports promotions, salary increments, and staff motivation to enhance productivity despite economic challenges.

“To streamline the process, assessment forms were redesigned using Google Docs for easier accessibility and submission. Completed forms were reviewed by department/unit heads and forwarded to the A & P board for consideration, which recommendation to the ABUAD A&P Committee, led by the Vice-Chancellor. Final recommendations for promotions, increments, and bonuses were approved by the Founder/Chancellor,” she clarified.