OAUSTECH prioritizes foreign partnerships over local reforms but finally pays staff minimum wage

DDM News

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) has partnered with an Indian university to enhance academic excellence and global collaboration.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the partnership is between OAUSTECH and Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences, Sehore, India.

This collaboration aims to promote academic research, student exchange programs, and faculty cooperation between both institutions.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 28, 2025, marking a major milestone for OAUSTECH.

Mr. Paul Adeagbo, Head of the Directorate of Information, Protocol, and Public Relations, announced this development in an official statement.

According to the statement, OAUSTECH is committed to expanding its academic reach beyond Nigeria through international partnerships.

The partnership will create opportunities for students and lecturers to engage in advanced research and global academic programs.

OAUSTECH believes that this collaboration will attract foreign scholars, further enhancing its reputation as a center of excellence.

“This strategic alliance aims to promote academic collaboration, research cooperation, and staff and student exchanges,” the statement read.

The university’s management expressed optimism that the agreement would significantly benefit both students and faculty members.

By engaging in joint research initiatives, OAUSTECH and the Indian university will improve knowledge-sharing and innovative discoveries.

The partnership aligns with OAUSTECH’s vision of becoming a globally recognized institution of science and technology.

University administrators have emphasized that academic excellence remains their top priority.

They also highlighted the benefits of knowledge exchange between institutions operating in different regions and academic environments.

OAUSTECH has assured students that the collaboration will provide them with more learning resources and research opportunities.

Faculty members will have access to specialized training, workshops, and academic conferences through this international partnership.

This initiative also aims to improve OAUSTECH’s global ranking among universities focused on science, technology, and medical sciences.

The university hopes to implement collaborative projects that will address pressing global challenges in health and technology.

This agreement signals a new era of academic development and international cooperation for OAUSTECH.

OAUSTECH finally implements long-delayed minimum wage for staff

In a separate development, OAUSTECH has implemented a new minimum wage for its employees, effective from February 2025.

This decision follows the Ondo State government’s approval of a new N73,000 minimum wage for all civil servants.

University staff had previously demanded the implementation of the new wage policy to reflect the rising cost of living.

The university’s vice chancellor has also paid outstanding salary arrears owed to staff members.

“This move is a significant boost to staff morale, coming after months of agitation for the wage award,” the statement read.

OAUSTECH’s decision to implement the wage increase has been widely welcomed by staff members.

Many employees described the move as a relief from financial stress and economic difficulties.

A university staff member expressed satisfaction with the prompt payment of arrears alongside the new salary structure.

“This payment shows that OAUSTECH management values its employees and their contributions to the institution,” the staff member said.

Another employee described the wage increase as a motivating factor that would improve productivity and job satisfaction.

With this development, OAUSTECH has demonstrated its commitment to improving staff welfare and working conditions.

The new wage implementation is expected to enhance staff motivation and dedication to their duties.

For months, university workers had urged management to address salary concerns and align with the government’s new policy.

This wage adjustment will ease financial burdens and improve the standard of living for employees.

Many staff members had previously struggled to meet their financial obligations due to stagnant salaries.

The university’s leadership assured workers that it remains committed to their welfare and professional growth.

The implementation of the new minimum wage positions OAUSTECH as an institution that prioritizes staff well-being.

University authorities believe that motivated employees will contribute more effectively to OAUSTECH’s academic mission.

The vice chancellor emphasized that investing in staff welfare is crucial for institutional growth and productivity.

University employees can now focus on their responsibilities without financial distractions or concerns.

Staff members expressed gratitude to the management for addressing their concerns and fulfilling wage commitments.

“This is a major step toward creating a more positive and supportive work environment,” an employee said.

The university’s decision reflects a broader effort to enhance job satisfaction and institutional efficiency.

Workers now have greater financial stability, which will translate into better performance in their respective roles.

A commitment to foreign collaborations while struggling with local reforms

With these developments, OAUSTECH has reaffirmed its dedication to academic excellence and staff welfare.

However, some critics argue that the university is focusing more on foreign partnerships while neglecting critical local reforms.

The partnership with the Indian university will enhance research, innovation, and global learning opportunities.

At the same time, the delayed implementation of the new wage policy raises concerns about OAUSTECH’s priorities.

By prioritizing international agreements, the university risks overlooking pressing domestic challenges affecting staff and students.

While the management celebrates this foreign collaboration, some workers believe local issues should have been resolved first.

Students, faculty members, and non-academic staff stand to benefit from these recent positive changes.

The university management remains focused on creating an environment that supports learning, research, and staff well-being.

OAUSTECH believes that these initiatives will contribute to long-term institutional success and global recognition.

The partnership will expose students to international learning standards and new academic perspectives.

It will also provide lecturers with opportunities for international collaborations and advanced research projects.

For university employees, the wage increase is a step toward better financial security and improved job satisfaction.

These positive changes reinforce OAUSTECH’s vision of becoming a world-class institution of higher learning.

The university management has pledged to continue seeking ways to improve academic and staff welfare initiatives.

Through these efforts, OAUSTECH is setting a strong example for other institutions in Nigeria and beyond.

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