An emeritus professor from Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has issued an emotional appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calling for urgent intervention in what he describes as a deeply flawed and inadequate pension scheme affecting retired academics in the state.
Emeritus Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, a renowned scholar in Fisheries and Aquaculture, made the plea in an open letter addressed to the governor. In the letter, he lamented the poor financial conditions that many retired professors now face, revealing that his current monthly pension stands at just ₦213,678.34 — an amount that translates to less than $150 at prevailing exchange rates.
Professor Anetekhai, who devoted over four decades of his life to the Nigerian university system, decried the present pension structure as unjust, unsustainable, and potentially damaging to the morale of serving academics approaching retirement.
“The current pension scheme is not only unfair but also unsustainable,” he wrote. “It may lead to a lack of dedication to service by those who are yet to retire.”
He warned that without meaningful reform, the existing system could discourage a culture of academic excellence and erode the commitment of scholars who have dedicated their careers to public service in the education sector.
In his appeal, Professor Anetekhai urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to use his office to raise awareness of the financial hardships confronting retired professors. He called on the governor to initiate dialogue with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities, to push for a review of the national pension framework for university lecturers.
He further suggested that the state should champion initiatives that restore dignity to the lives of retired academics and reflect the immense contributions they have made to national development.
Concluding his letter, Professor Anetekhai emphasised that his call was not driven by personal gain but stemmed from a broader concern for the integrity and future of Nigeria’s higher education system. He stressed the need for collective action to protect the welfare of academic retirees who, despite decades of service, now face financial insecurity in retirement.
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