The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, has approved the promotion of 208 members of staff as it reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare and career development.
The approval was disclosed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Foyeke Ibimilua, during an engagement with members of the university’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
Ibimilua said the institution remained committed to improving staff welfare, supporting professional development and providing opportunities for career progression.
NASU Members March Over Unpaid Entitlements
The meeting followed a peaceful march by NASU members to the Wole Olanipekun Senate Building on the university campus.
The union members used the demonstration to raise concerns about outstanding staff entitlements and other welfare-related matters.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the university’s spokesperson, Temitope Akinbisoye, Ibimilua addressed the workers on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Babatunde Omojola.
Management Promises to Address Workers’ Concerns
During the engagement, the deputy vice-chancellor acknowledged the issues presented by the union and said management was working to resolve them within the institution’s administrative and financial capacity.
“Management is making concerted efforts to address the issues within the administrative and financial capacity of the institution,” she said.
She added that the university intended to maintain a productive working environment in which discussions, mutual understanding and respect would guide its relationship with staff unions.
Ibimilua also said management would continue consulting with the unions to address areas of concern and maintain open communication across the institution.
DVC Recognises Contribution of Non-Academic Staff
The deputy vice-chancellor acknowledged the role played by non-academic employees in the university’s development, stability and pursuit of academic excellence.
She assured NASU members that their concerns remained a priority and that management would continue engaging with recognised unions to resolve outstanding issues.
Ibimilua further stressed that maintaining cordial relations with the unions was important for industrial harmony and the uninterrupted delivery of the university’s academic and administrative responsibilities.
NASU Calls for Urgent Payment of Outstanding Entitlements
Earlier in the meeting, NASU Chairman Ayotunde Ojo appealed to the university management to accelerate the payment of outstanding staff entitlements.
He emphasised the need for the institution to address the union’s demands promptly to prevent the possibility of an industrial crisis.
The engagement was presented by the university management as an opportunity to pursue constructive dialogue and continued consultation in resolving the issues raised by the workers.
