JAMB Boss, Prof. Oloyede, Suggests Urgent Review Of Wages, Compensation Structure
The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-Haq Olanrewaju Oloyede has suggested the review and overhaul of wages and the compensation structure in the public service.
“Unless we are pretenders, we all know that some things do not just add up in the compensation of public servants and most of the public office holders.
“For example, the minimum wage, as a take-home pay, cannot take anyone home at this time in our economic history.”
Professor Oloyede, who spoke today, October 5, as Chairman of the 7th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), noted that with the ever-increasing price level and the national currency devaluation, both of which have led to a spiral inflationary level, “wages at all levels have become inadequate to meet the provision of basic needs of life for so many.”
He said that even at the highest level for top public servants and political office holders, “the compensation structure is such that we all know that it is difficult for top level public officers and political appointees to rely on their pay to sustain their living conditions and the requirements or dictates of their offices.
“Due to low salaries and emoluments, some misguided public servants at all levels are encouraged to look for sources within government to meet the elevated financial demands expected of their offices and status. “The effect of this is the sacrifice of transparency and accountability in the administration of most government offices and agencies.
“In fact, the situation is so bad that salaries and allowances of Ministers and heads of some agencies are lower than the salaries of middle level officers in a typical private enterprise. “Curiously, there is also a wide gap in the compensation and salaries of some government departments and agencies compared with some others.
“The juicy agencies and government departments have become a hub and attraction for appointments of connected individuals and families of connected individuals.”
Professor Oloyede took a look at what he called “another dimension,” where there is a wide gap in the compensation structure between the public and private sectors in Nigeria.
“While private sector executives are well remunerated in line with their output and dictates of their offices, the same thing cannot be said for public officers.
“In fact, salaries of most chief executives of the publicly quoted companies and some government agencies in Nigeria are higher than the emolument of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Similarly, salaries of some Ministers are lower than those of the chief executives of some agencies and institutions under their supervision.”
The JAMB Boss stressed that these phenomenal has been encouraging corruption and brought about lack of accountability.
He said that it also gives room for malpractices, financial impropriety, and malfeasance.
“When officers and executives are not well paid and they are entrusted with huge resources of the state, some may resort to helping themselves.”
He said that there is a lot to do to rejuvenate the economy, and said that one way of doing so is to pay a commensurate remuneration for a commensurate work. “With good, adequate and competitive compensation structure in the public sector, the system can attract good hands.
“I believe that paying the right wages in the public sector is one way to improve productivity of workers.”
At 63, Nigeria Needs Collective Actions To Foster Nation-Building, By Tony Elumelu
As we celebrate another year of independence, it is time to reflect, to look in the mirror, for our nation and ourselves.
We know Nigeria, we love Nigeria, Nigeria is one of Africa’s most diverse and dynamic countries. We are a nation that excites, beguiles, and dreams. Yet, amidst our diversity and that potential that we all feel, we have faced so many challenges. These challenges ask us to answer a fundamental question: What is our collective responsibility in nation-building?
The destiny of Nigeria lies firmly in the hands of its people – you and me. I am an optimist and I believe strongly in the potential of our nation. We must work together to create the progress we so desire through innovation, and with unity in diversity.
In August, I spoke to the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Abuja. At the time of a new administration – and without doubt some of our toughest times economically, I spoke about our collective responsibility as Nigerians, and what we must do to foster nation-building.
My prescription, my advice, my philosophy is simple:
1. Unity.
We must set our differences aside and be united with one ambition, and one duty – nation-building. Whatever our backgrounds, geographies, religions, and experiences let us ensure that our country experiences a true renaissance.
2. Celebrate our Global Success.
We know the potential of Nigeria.
We know the resources, human and natural, that Nigeria has at her disposal. We must learn to champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports.
We see these replicated at home – what we need to do is unleash our potential, create that enabling environment in Nigeria.
3. Business Excellence.
The Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation. We have global businesses with Nigerian origins. For instance – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA, as a deposit-taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa. Who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!
The private sector must continue to surpass its own achievements and continue to put Nigeria on the map.
4. Shared Responsibility
Nation-building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity.
At its core, nation-building is the intricate process of forging a cohesive, harmonious, and united society, out of diverse individuals, cultures, and ideologies. It is the art of constructing a shared identity.
Transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.
One that is not the responsibility of our government alone. Great nations start with great people, not just great leaders.
5. A Shared Ambition Across Our Society.
Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building.
6. Love For Country.
Let Nigeria be at the centre of our hearts. Let us invest in the brand Nigeria.
We have no other place, no other motherland than Nigeria. We must begin to show and share a sense of pride in Nigeria. We must begin to rekindle our hope and have confidence in Nigeria and in our leaders. Let us be proud of Nigeria.
The responsibility of nation-building falls upon each and every one of us. To truly build a strong and prosperous nation, we must be more conscious and dedicated in our efforts.
Let us be inspired by the lessons of history, motivated by the sacrifices of our forefathers, guided by the wisdom of our elders, and energised by the aspirations of our youth.
Together, we can build a nation we can all be proud of.
Celebrate 63!