The Enugu State Government has approved an increase in the minimum wage of staff of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), from N32,000 to N82,000 monthly, effective September 1, 2026.
The approval was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, dated August 11, 2026, and addressed to the Accountant General of the state.
According to the letter, the approval followed a report submitted by the Joint Action Committee on Trade Union (JACTU) in ESUT over issues surrounding a one-month strike ultimatum issued by the university’s unions.
The government also approved an across-the-board increase of N50,000 for all other categories of staff of the university.
The SSG directed the Accountant General to fully implement the approval of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The directive referenced an earlier Government House letter dated August 7, 2026, on the matter.
The letter, which was copied to the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, for information and necessary action, is expected to take effect from September 1, 2026.
While commenting on the matter at the 278th Regular Meeting of the Senate of the University on Wednesday, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, stated that the University is in further discussion with the state government for improved welfare of the staff of the University.
He further stated that the South East Governors have agreed to have at least, 20% salary increase for staff of state universities in their region, adding that a governor can decide to go beyond the 20% benchmark.
While thanking Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage and his interventions on infrastructure and academic contents in the University, he urged union leaders in the University to allow ESUT Management conclude the ongoing negotiations with the state government on the welfare of staff.
