Workers of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have reason to cheer as the Enugu State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦82,000 for staff of the institution.
The increase, from the current ₦32,000, will take effect from September 1, 2026, according to a letter from the state government dated August 11 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
The letter was sent to the state Accountant General after discussions on the welfare of workers at the university.
For ESUT staff who have been pushing for improved pay and better conditions, the approval is seen as immediate relief amid rising cost of living.
The SSG’s letter also referenced ongoing government support for infrastructure and academic programmes at ESUT.
While welcoming the wage increase, the government urged union leaders at the university to be patient as discussions continue on other outstanding welfare issues.
“He appealed to union leaders at the institution to give the university management more time to complete its discussions with the state government over the wider welfare concerns,” the letter stated.
The new pay structure is expected to ease financial pressure on ESUT employees, even as management and the state government continue negotiations on other staff concerns.
Workers say they hope the September implementation date will be met without delay, and that the talks on the remaining welfare matters will be concluded quickly.
