Education
Governor Oyebanji Urged to Increase Subvention to BOUESTI Over Unpaid Retiree Benefits
By Joseph Sunday
A concerned citizen and advocate for retirees of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Prince Adewumi Rufus Idowu, has appealed to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to increase the monthly subvention to the institution over unpaid pensions and retirement benefits.
Prince Idowu made the appeal in an open letter addressed to Governor Oyebanji in his capacity as Visitor to the university. The letter is titled, “Gov. Oyebanji Urged to Increase Subvention to BOUESTI Over Unpaid Retiree Benefits.”
In the letter, he commended the Oyebanji administration for its support for education and workers’ welfare, but noted that the current funding to BOUESTI is no longer sufficient to meet its obligations, particularly to retired staff.
According to him, some retirees who rendered many years of meritorious service to the university are being owed pensions and gratuities, a development he said has left many of them in hardship and distress.
He therefore appealed to the Governor to urgently review and increase the monthly subvention to BOUESTI, release special intervention funds to clear the outstanding pensions and retirement benefits, and establish a sustainable funding framework to prevent future delays.
Prince Idowu also urged the Governor to direct relevant government agencies to collaborate with the university management and representatives of the retirees to work out a clear and transparent repayment plan.
He stressed that the appeal was not intended as a criticism of the state government, but as a heartfelt intervention borne out of confidence in the administration and a desire to uphold the dignity of those who served the institution.
“This is not a challenge to the government, but rather a heartfelt appeal from citizens who have faith in the Ekiti State Government and wish to ensure dignity for those who dedicated many years of service to BOUESTI,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that Governor Oyebanji would give priority to the matter and bring much-needed relief to the affected retirees.
