Retired academic and non-academic staff of Ebony State University (EBSU) in Nigeria have expressed concern over the non-payment of their pensions and gratuities. Many have reportedly died or become bedridden due to hardship. The retirees, led by Mr. Emeka Ugwoke, made their appeal in Abakaliki, highlighting their struggles since retirement. They have visited various media organisations to draw attention to their plight.
The retirees' agitation received a financial boost when Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, pledged ₦100,000 each to 216 accredited retirees. This brought the immediate support to ₦21.6 million. Odii's representative, Darlington Onwe, described the retirees' plight as "highly shameful" and emphasised the need for urgent attention.
According to Odii's representative, the accreditation exercise was conducted after the retirees raised concerns over their unpaid entitlements. The 216 accredited persons represent only an unofficial figure, with the actual number of affected retirees estimated to be 400 or more. Some retirees have already deceased, while others are hospitalised or living in difficult circumstances without adequate support.
Odii's representative stressed that the PDP's support was not a political move designed to score goodwill but a genuine attempt to address the retirees' plight. He urged the Ebonyi State Government and the university management to urgently address the matter. The retirees have devoted their productive years to the development of the state's knowledge sector, he added.
Mr. Emeka Ugwoke said the retirees would continue to seek assistance from the government and well-meaning individuals until their outstanding pensions and gratuities were addressed. He disclosed that he had met with Governor Francis Nwifuru earlier in the month, who stated that the university was autonomous and its finances were outside the direct control of the state government.
Ugwoke argued that as the Visitor to the university, the governor should be concerned about the welfare of its retirees and appealed for urgent intervention. He emphasised that pension and gratuity should not become uncertain after years of service, adding that many retirees were currently struggling to feed themselves and meet other household obligations.
The Ebonyi State University retirees' case highlights the challenges faced by retired civil servants in Nigeria. The situation has sparked a call for the government and university management to take responsibility for the welfare of retirees. The retirees' plight is a reminder of the need for effective pension and gratuity payment systems to ensure a dignified life for those who have served the institution.
Key points
- The Ebonyi State University retirees received N21.6m support from PDP governorship candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
- The retirees have been struggling with unpaid pensions and gratuities, leading to hardship and, in some cases, death.
- The actual number of affected retirees is estimated to be 400 or more, with many already deceased or hospitalised.
