By Mike Adeyemi
The Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin has demanded the immediate review of the retirement age for workers in tertiary institutions in the state.
The union urged the state government to implement the approved 65 years retirement age as approved by the Federal Government.
The Chairman of the branch union, Comrade Najeemdeen Anas made the demand during an interview with National Pilot in Ilorin, on Friday.
The Federal Government had three years ago approved the retirement age of 65 years for staff of tertiary institutions in the country, in compliance with International standard.
He stated that several discussions with the Head of Service as well as efforts to ensure the state government implement the policy have all proved abortive.
“The Non Academic Staff Union, College of Education, Ilorin wishes to sincerely thank Governor Abdufatah Ahmed for efforts at ensuring qualitative tertiary education in the state. We, however, demand for implementation of 65 years retirement age as approved by the Federal Government and being enjoyed by neighbouring states like Kogi, Oyo, Osun and Niger.
“Members of the NASU of this college are mostly junior workers, whose take home pay is grossly inadequate. If the state government should approve 65 years retirement age, it will be of immense benefit to the union”, Anas added.
On why the union did not join in the strike declared by CUTI, he explained “NASU did not embark on the strike simply because we believe in dialogue and not confrontation. We equally believe that the Kwara state government will fulfill its promise.”
He therefore urged the state government to reciprocate NASU’s gesture by not reneging on its earlier promises of prompt payment of salaries and implementation of promotions.
