Luck smiled on security guards at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Oyo State, after Governor Seyi Makinde ordered a sharp increase in their salary from N18,800 to N80,000.
The development came during the governor’s visit to the hospital on September 30, where he held an interactive session with staff members. During the engagement, one of the security guards mustered the courage to speak out about the hardship faced by him and his colleagues due to their meagre wages and lack of employment benefits.
“We are suffering. I have a family with three children. Please help us,” the guard pleaded.
When asked about their wages, the guard revealed they earn only N18,800 monthly. A senior hospital official then clarified that the guards were not direct employees of LAUTECH but were instead hired through a private security firm. According to the official, the firm was paid N27,000 per guard, while only N18,800 trickled down to the workers.
In response, Governor Makinde directed that all 67 guards be absorbed as ad hoc staff of the hospital and paid N80,000 monthly starting October 1. He further ordered the immediate termination of the contract with the outsourcing firm.
The announcement was met with excitement and relief among the guards, who had long struggled under poor working conditions. Many staff members at the interactive session also commended the governor for his swift and decisive action.
