A (retired) Professor Emeritus of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Lagos State University, LAS, Prof Anetekhai Martins Agenuma, has described the monthly pension of N213,678.34 paid to retired professors monthly as grossly inadequate and called on the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to lead the campaign for a review of the pension scheme in the country. In an open letter to the governor, the former LASU don said that treating retired academics shabbily could lead to discouraging those still in service from putting in their best. “I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing concern that affects the well-being and productivity of retired professors in Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. As an Emeritus Professor and a retired academic staff member of over 40 years, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment of our professors to the pursuit of knowledge and the development of future generations.
“The issue at hand is the hostile pension scheme that has resulted in a paltry monthly take-home pay of N213,678.34 for Emeritus Professors like myself. This amount is equivalent to less than $150 per month, which is a stark reality that highlights the challenges faced by retired academics in Nigeria. As you may be aware, the Nigerian university system has produced some of the finest minds in the world, and it is imperative that we prioritize the welfare of our retired professors who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and the development of our nation. The current pension scheme is not only unfair but also unsustainable, and it may lead to a lack of dedication to service by those who are yet to retire.
“I humbly request that you use your good offices to advocate for a review of the pension scheme at the national level. As a prominent leader, your voice can help bring attention to this critical issue and push for reforms that benefit retired academics across the country. Specifically, I urge you to: Use your platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by retired professors and the need for pension reform. Engage with relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Education, to push for a review of the pension scheme. Support initiatives that prioritize the welfare of retired academics and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. I believe that this is not a personal appeal but a call to action that is born out of concern for the sustainability of quality within our system. I hope that you will take this matter seriously and use your influence to drive positive change,” his letter to the governor read in part.
Retired Professor laments N213,000 monthly pension appeals for review of pension scheme
