Education
IAR&T Workers Protest Non-Payment of December, January Salaries
Workers at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the non-payment of their December and January salaries.
The demonstration, held within the institute’s premises, was attended by members and leaders of key staff unions, including the Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI).
Workers Decry Hardship, Demand Urgent Action
Addressing journalists during the protest, SSANU Chairman, Comrade Agbaje Michael, stated that the demonstration was a call to the Federal Government to urgently address their salary concerns. He lamented that despite letters sent to the Ministry, no concrete action had been taken.
“Our protest is to let the management know that we are suffering and for them to expedite actions. Although they told us they have written letters to the ministry, that is not enough,” Agbaje said.
Also, NASU Chairman, Osadiya Adewumi, decried the hardship faced by workers due to the salary delay.
He described the festive season as a “black Christmas and New Year” for IAR&T employees, many of whom struggled to afford basic necessities.
“There was no money to buy drugs for those on medication and their elderly families among the workers,” Adewumi said.
He further urged the institute’s management to personally visit Abuja to ensure the matter is resolved, warning that failure to do so could prompt NASU headquarters in Abuja to take immediate action.
“Our people are trekking to work daily. If nothing is done soon, we will have no choice but to embark on a ‘no pay, no work’ strategy,” he added.
Federal Government’s Wage Increment Claim Rejected
A National Executive Member of NASU, Comrade Oladeinde Emmanuel, noted that the protest would have been held earlier but workers decided to give the management time to resolve the issue. However, their patience had worn thin.
He also dismissed the Federal Government’s claim that the wage increment was responsible for the delay, arguing that other research institutions had received their salaries.
IAR&T Management Appeals for Calm
In response to the workers’ grievances, IAR&T Executive Director, Prof. Veronica Obatolu, acknowledged the difficulties faced by staff and assured them that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.
She suggested that the non-payment might have been due to an omission in processing the December salaries, stating that the Federal Ministry of Finance has been notified and is working on it.
“The management has been to Abuja to lodge complaints and has also written letters to the necessary authorities,” Obatolu said.
While appealing for calm, she urged the workers to remain committed to their duties, assuring them that the matter would soon be resolved.
“I am sure the Ministry and the Federal Government are aware, and work is ongoing to address the issue,” she assured.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the sale of the 2025 Direct Entry (DE) forms will commence on Wednesday, March 12.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Monday. He emphasized that the registration process is essential for individuals with degrees, diplomas, or A-level certificates seeking admission into their preferred universities.
“The initiation of the DE sales follows the successful conclusion of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application sales, which ended on Saturday, March 8, 2025,” the statement read.
According to JAMB, a total of 2,030,627 candidates registered for the 2025 UTME, with 200,115 participating in the Mock-UTME and 630 in the trial mock examination.
The board warned prospective Direct Entry applicants to ensure they meet all entry requirements, as any false declaration of qualifications would attract serious penalties.
“A special committee will verify all submitted advanced-level qualifications, and any fraudulent results will lead to prosecution. Additionally, institutions are encouraged to directly verify certificates before considering admissions,” the board stated.
JAMB also clarified that registration for the Direct Entry process can only be done at designated JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRCs).
As the registration date approaches, candidates are advised to adhere to all guidelines and ensure that their credentials are properly verified to avoid disqualification.
The Federal Government has officially adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, as a Federal University of Education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transition on Friday, expressing gratitude to the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over one of the state’s most valued educational institutions.
The announcement was contained in a statement released by the Presidency on Sunday, highlighting the significance of TASUED’s transition and its alignment with national educational priorities.
“It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria, and Dr Tai Solarin, who dedicated his life to educating our children and instilling patriotic and leadership values at Mayflower School in Ikenne,” President Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The President further acknowledged the Awujale of Ijebuland’s instrumental role in preventing TASUED’s closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment. He described the transition as a strategic move aimed at strengthening teacher education and improving instructional quality nationwide.
“With a well-developed infrastructure and academic programme, the transition requires minimal federal investment,” the statement noted.
TASUED, established in 2005 by the Ogun State Government, holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first specialised university of education. It was named in honour of Dr Tai Solarin, a renowned educationist and social reformer. The institution’s conversion into a federal university marks a historic milestone as the first federal tertiary institution in Ogun East Senatorial District, which includes Ijebu and Remo areas.
With this development, TASUED joins Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, and Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, as Nigeria’s three federally owned universities dedicated to teacher education. The takeover underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and strengthening the foundation of Nigeria’s teaching workforce.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned students across the country to beware of fraudulent websites and portals posing as its official loan application platform.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND emphasized its commitment to ensuring that only eligible students benefit from the government-backed loan scheme. However, it warned against the increasing activities of scammers creating fake platforms to deceive unsuspecting applicants.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund wishes to reiterate that the ONLY official portal for student loan applications is www.nelf.gov.ng,” the statement read.
Students and the general public were urged to disregard any other links, websites, or messages claiming to provide access to the NELFUND Student Loan Scheme. Oluwatuyi stressed that any platform other than the officially designated website is unauthorized and should not be trusted.
“NELFUND remains committed to ensuring that eligible Nigerian students have access to financial support through a transparent and secure process. For verified updates and official information, always visit www.nelf.gov.ng or follow our verified social media handles,” the statement added.
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