Despite new minimum wage policy, KWASU workers earn N30,000 amid economic hardship
Amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, workers at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, are appealing to the institution’s management for increased pay and improved working conditions.
Despite federal reforms, high inflation, currency devaluation, and rising living costs continue to affect low-income earners the most.
Speaking exclusively to The Informant247, hostel workers employed as porters lamented that their salaries do not reflect the level or intensity of their work.
Many of these porters, responsible for maintaining hostels and having served the university for over a decade, said their long-term commitment has not translated into promotions or better welfare conditions.
‘Current Pay Barely Covers Transportation’
Abdulmalik Suraj(not real name) working since 2015, said the current economic climate has rendered their earnings almost meaningless.
“I started here in 2015 earning N20,000 per month. It was later increased to N25,000 and now N30,000 for NCE or ND holders after last November’s increment,” He said.
He highlighted the dramatic rise in transportation costs: “When I started, commuting from Malete to Ilorin cost between N200 and N220. Today, it costs between N3,000 and N4,000 — an increase of over 1,200% to 1,900%.”
The source further explained that male porters typically work 48-hour weeks, sometimes extending to 60 hours.
“We often take on additional duties, like operating the generator or water system, which should be handled by other staff. Even if they can’t pay us the minimum wage, the university should at least provide a salary that covers basic expenses like transportation.”
Graduate Porters Seek Permanent Jobs
Sulaiman Abidat( not real name) another porter, who is a 10-year veteran and Mass Communication graduate, shared a similar story. “I started as a hostel porter in 2016 due to lack of job opportunities,” she said. Abidat currently earns N37,000 per month as an HND holder.
She appealed to the university to improve working conditions and consider permanent employment for long-serving porters. “This will motivate us and give us hope,” she said.
Women porters typically work two to three 24-hour shifts weekly, translating to 10 or 11 shifts per month. They play a vital role in maintaining hostels and liaising between students and university management.
Porters are customarily disengaged at the end of each academic session and must reapply to work in the next session, She added.
Salaries Insufficient for Family Needs
Another porter, Ismail Abike( not real name) with decade of service echoed these concerns: “The salary is too small to support a family. Many of us have children in school or university, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet daily needs.”
Over 100 porters work across more than 30 hostels on and off campus, providing essential services that enhance student living conditions.
University Response
When contacted for comment, Acting Director of University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, described the matter as internal.
“For now, I don’t have any information to share. I believe this is an internal affair,” she said.
**Names protected due to fear of victimisation
