Makinde approves 13th month salary, clears LAUTECH arrears, tasks new board on reforms

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of the 13th month salary for Oyo State workers for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. He also approved the outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The governor made the announcement on Monday while inaugurating the Governing Board of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan. He assured that he would intervene promptly in the issues surrounding LAUTECH lecturers’ recurrent strike actions.

Makinde charged the newly inaugurated board to begin immediate reforms, directing them to fully revamp the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex in Oyo within 12 months. He said the state government was prepared to provide all necessary support to make the facility fully operational.

According to him, the board chairman, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, and other members were selected strictly on merit, adding that the state expects transformational outcomes from their tenure. The governor also explained delays in implementing previously promised arrears, noting that bureaucratic procedures had now been completed.

Makinde disclosed that he signed the files for December salaries and the 13th month payment on Monday morning, ensuring that all arrears owed to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff were included. He assured workers that payments would now proceed without further delays.

“I am happy to report that I have signed the December salary file as well as the file for the 13th month salary. All the arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital workers have been included, and they should rest assured that payments are now in process,” Makinde stated.

“One major request I am placing before this board is that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex in Oyo must be completely revamped and fully operational within 12 months. This is now a special state project, and I will provide every support required to achieve it,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the board, Chairman Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka expressed gratitude for the governor’s confidence and pledged that the board would deliver a world-class teaching hospital. He said the board had already developed a strategic plan geared toward upgrading infrastructure, implementing electronic medical records, and raising service delivery standards.