New Salary Structure Takes Effect September 1 as Enugu Government Approves Fresh Pay Package for University Staff.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — September 1, 2026.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — Workers of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, officially enter a new salary regime today, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following the approval of an increased minimum wage of N82,000 monthly by the Enugu State Government.
The new wage represents a significant increase from the previous N32,000 minimum wage for eligible ESUT workers and forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen industrial harmony within the institution.
The approval was communicated in a letter dated August 11, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and addressed to the Accountant-General of the state.
The directive followed a report submitted by the Joint Action Committee on Trade Union (JACTU) at ESUT amid discussions concerning workers’ welfare and a strike ultimatum issued by the university’s unions.
N50,000 Increase for Other Staff Categories
In addition to the new N82,000 minimum wage, the Enugu State Government also approved an across-the-board N50,000 salary increase for other categories of ESUT staff.
The Accountant-General was directed to ensure the full implementation of the approval in line with the directive of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The development is expected to provide financial relief to workers whileimproving morale and productivity within the university community.
Fresh Push for Industrial Harmony at ESUT
The salary adjustment comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions between the university management, the state government and labour unions over broader staff welfare issues.
ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, had disclosed that the university was continuing discussions with the state government on improved conditions of service.
He also said South-East governors had agreed to work towards a minimum 20 per cent salary increase for workers in state-owned universities, while individual governors could approve increases above the benchmark.
More recently, ASUU-ESUT suspended its industrial action following commitments reached with the state government, including a phased implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement beginning today, September 1, 2026. The agreement also provides for increased monthly subvention to ESUT and mechanisms for monitoring implementation.
A New Chapter for ESUT Workers
With the N82,000 minimum wage now taking effect, attention is expected to shift toward the full implementation of the approved salary package and other commitments reached between government, university management and labour.
For workers at ESUT, the development marks a significant step in the ongoing conversation around improved remuneration, institutional stability and better working conditions.
The Enugu State Government has continued to position workers’ welfare as an important component of its broader development agenda, while the latest ESUT measures are expected to contribute to improved industrial relations and academic stability at the institution.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform, will continue to monitor the implementation of the new wage regime and other developments affecting workers, students and the wider ESUT community.