The Enugu State Government has approved an increase in the minimum monthly wage for workers at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), raising it from N32,000 to N82,000.
Newsonspot reports that the new wage structure is expected to take effect from September 1, 2026, following approval by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated August 11 and signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. The letter was addressed to the state Accountant General and followed discussions on the welfare and working conditions of ESUT employees.
The decision came after the Joint Action Committee on Trade Union (JACTU) at ESUT submitted a report on workers’ demands, following a one-month strike ultimatum issued by unions at the university.
In addition to the new minimum wage, the state government approved a N50,000 increase for other categories of workers at the institution.
The Secretary to the State Government directed the Accountant General to ensure that the approved wage adjustment is fully implemented in accordance with the governor’s directive.
The decision followed an earlier communication from the Government House dated August 7, 2026. A copy of the approval letter was also sent to the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, for information and further action.
Speaking at the 278th Regular Meeting of the university’s Senate on Wednesday, Okolie said discussions between the institution and the state government over staff welfare were still ongoing.
He disclosed that the university was seeking further improvements in the conditions of service for its workers.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that governors across the South-East had agreed to work towards a minimum 20 per cent salary increase for workers in state-owned universities in the region.
However, he said individual governors would be free to approve salary increases above the agreed benchmark.
Okolie commended Governor Mbah for the wage adjustment and other interventions supporting the university, including investments in infrastructure and improvements to academic programmes.
He appealed to union leaders at ESUT to give the university management more time to conclude discussions with the state government on other outstanding welfare concerns.
The new wage structure is expected to provide immediate financial relief for ESUT workers, while negotiations continue on broader issues affecting staff welfare and conditions of service.
