The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Staff Unions in Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State has congratulated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement ahead of the next presidential election.
JAC In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Kola Lawal, the committee described Makinde’s emergence as a recognition of his leadership qualities, commitment to good governance and achievements in public service.
JAC noted that the governor’s growing influence in Nigeria’s political landscape and the confidence reposed in him by members and stakeholders of his party culminated in his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.
The committee also commended Makinde’s administration for its contributions to the education sector, citing investments in educational infrastructure, improved workers’ welfare, enhanced support for state-owned tertiary institutions and efforts aimed at strengthening teaching, learning and research.
According to the union, the governor’s commitment to educational development has helped position Oyo State among leading states promoting human capital development and knowledge-driven growth.
While congratulating the governor on what it described as a significant political milestone, JAC appealed to him to consolidate his legacy in the tertiary education sector through the immediate implementation of the newly approved 40 per cent Consolidated Tertiary Academic Allowance (CATA) for academic and non-teaching staff in polytechnics, colleges of education and universities.
The committee said the implementation of the allowance would improve workers’ welfare and motivate staff toward greater productivity, dedication and excellence in teaching, research and community service.
JAC also urged the governor to implement the newly approved retirement age of 70 years for Chief Lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics, arguing that the policy would help retain experienced academics, preserve institutional memory and strengthen mentorship for younger lecturers.
The union maintained that the implementation of both policies would boost staff morale, improve industrial harmony and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges and rising living costs.
Expressing confidence in Makinde’s responsiveness to workers’ concerns, the committee said it believes the governor will give favourable consideration to the requests in the interest of institutional development and the advancement of higher education in Oyo State.
