Retired staff of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin Campus, have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the non-payment of their 31-month pension arrears. The delay, which has persisted since May 2022, has reportedly caused severe hardship among the retirees, many of whom are battling chronic illnesses and financial instability.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees under the LASUED Association of Pensioners, chairman Comrade Henry Ogunsanya lamented the deteriorating conditions of members, stating:
> “Many are starving, suffering from deteriorating health, and dying because they cannot afford medication. Some have been evicted or face eviction due to unpaid rent. One member tragically went blind for lack of essential medication.”
The group has written to the Lagos State Pension Commission, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Governor Sanwo-Olu, but no tangible action has been taken to resolve the issue.
In addition to pension arrears, LASUED staff are demanding payment of a 72-month backlog of hazard and transport allowances dating from 2013 to 2018. The association’s treasurer, Comrade A.O. Adigun, who retired in November 2022, revealed he has not received any pension payment since retirement.
Adigun expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite meetings with government officials:
> “We met with secretaries who promised action, but nothing has been done. The state government even claimed they owe no one, suggesting the governor might be unaware of our plight.”
The university’s bursar, Ganiu Ajose, attributed the delay to a lack of funds from the Lagos State Government:
> “Once funds are received, all outstanding pensions will be paid.”
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Tertiary Education were inconclusive. Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mahmud Hassan, promised to respond but had not done so at the time of this report.
The retirees have reiterated their appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing the urgency of their plight and the need for immediate intervention to alleviate their suffering.
