Governor Makinde Increases LAUTECH Security Guards’ Salary From ₦18,800 to ₦80,000
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a significant salary increase for security guards at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, raising their monthly pay from just ₦18,800 to ₦80,000.
The decision followed a public interaction in which one of the security guards courageously voiced concerns about their meagre earnings. The guard revealed that despite working daily under tough conditions, their pay was far below Nigeria’s current economic realities. The governor, visibly surprised by the revelation, responded on the spot by directing that their wages be reviewed immediately.
A video of the exchange, which has since circulated widely online, shows Governor Makinde commending the guard’s boldness for speaking out. The governor assured that no worker in the state should be earning less than a living wage, particularly those entrusted with the safety of students and staff at one of Nigeria’s leading state universities.
Outcry Over Exploitative Outsourcing Practices
Before the intervention, the guards were reportedly employed through a private outsourcing firm contracted by LAUTECH management. Investigations revealed that while the university paid the company a higher amount per staff member, the guards themselves received as little as ₦18,800 after deductions.
This outsourcing arrangement sparked criticism from the public and civil servants, many of whom described it as exploitative. Analysts noted that such practices are common in Nigerian institutions, where outsourced cleaners, security personnel, and clerical workers often earn below the official minimum wage while contractors pocket the difference.
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By raising the guards’ salary to ₦80,000 and absorbing them directly under the state payroll, Governor Makinde effectively bypassed the outsourcing system. His action, many observers say, sets a precedent for reforming employment standards in state-owned institutions.
Mixed Reactions From the Public
The announcement has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria. Supporters of the governor praised him for taking decisive action to uplift low-income earners at a time when inflation, rising food costs, and economic hardship have made survival increasingly difficult for workers on minimum wage.
“This is a commendable step. Imagine people risking their lives as security guards for ₦18,800 per month — that is not even enough to buy a bag of rice,” one resident commented.
Others, however, described the move as “playing to the gallery,” suggesting that state leaders should already be aware of the wages earned by workers in their institutions without waiting for public outcry. Critics argue that while the pay rise is laudable, systemic reforms are needed to ensure that such underpayment does not happen in the first place.
Wider Implications for Labour and Minimum Wage
Governor Makinde’s decision also adds to the ongoing national debate over Nigeria’s minimum wage policy, which labour unions have repeatedly argued is no longer sustainable in the face of economic realities. With many workers across sectors still earning below ₦30,000, the development at LAUTECH has reignited calls for urgent wage restructuring across the country.
Labour activists note that while ₦80,000 is a significant improvement, the rising cost of living in Nigeria — especially food, transport, and housing — continues to erode purchasing power. They are urging both federal and state governments to adopt policies that ensure not only wage increments but also fair enforcement of labour standards.
A Turning Point for LAUTECH Staff Welfare
For LAUTECH, one of the state’s flagship universities, the move is expected to boost staff morale and improve security within the institution. Security guards, often the first line of protection for students and staff, play a crucial role in campus safety. Their improved remuneration could reduce the temptation of unethical practices and increase their commitment to duty.
As Governor Makinde’s directive takes effect, LAUTECH’s security personnel are expected to begin receiving the new ₦80,000 monthly salary immediately, marking a dramatic turnaround in their welfare.
The development has been widely seen as a reminder of the importance of transparency, workers’ rights, and the power of speaking out in addressing inequality in Nigeria’s labour system.