The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) held its 50th South-West Zonal Delegate Congress at the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), calling for the revitalization of internally generated revenue programs (IGRP) and the payment of 53.37% allowances and arrears, among other demands.

At the Congress, which brought together union leaders from across the South-West, Comrade Ige Ajayi, Chairman of COEASU-AOCOED, emphasized the union’s commitment to sustaining academic activities despite ongoing challenges. Ajayi pointed out that the union’s success is measured by the number of agitations turned into achievements, stressing the importance of peace and unity in achieving progress.

He highlighted several key demands, including the need to resuscitate IGR programs to help colleges navigate economic difficulties. Ajayi also advocated for extending the signing of National Certificate Examination (NCE) certificates by the Provost and Registrar of State Colleges, the introduction of life salaries for chief lecturers similar to university professors, and improvements in power supply to colleges.

Ajayi further called for the Lagos State government to fulfill its 2010 approval of a salary increase for higher institutions, a move that has yet to be implemented. He also urged the management to make retirees’ benefits more accessible, as many retirees have struggled to receive them.

Despite the challenges, Ajayi thanked union members for their continued efforts, noting several successes, including the implementation of a 65-year retirement age for academic staff, the elimination of vacancy returns, and timely access to pension funds for retired academic staff.