Date: 2020-04-28

The Kwara State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology wishes to clarify that the government has neither approved for salaries to be paid in percentages nor for any member of staff at the International Aviation College Ilorin to go on compluslory leave without pay at the College or in any of our Tertiary Institutions for that matter.

In March 2020, in the interest of public safety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government directed all its employees to work from home until further notice. That subsisting directive covered all employees in Kwara State establishments including the Aviation College. The decision was not for anyone to go on leave without pay.

I will like to place on record that this administration has on several occasions approved special intervention funds for the International Aviation College. In January, 2020, for instance, N19.460m was approved and released to the college to pay the salaries of its staff; its aviation insurance fees; and other items needed for smooth flight operations.

The students of the college are presently on standard pilot course 16, and flight dispatch course 6 - thanks to the administration.

It is also important to state that the college is presently enjoying virtual learning access, the first of such since the College was established.

The present administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of staff and students, while ensuring accessible and qualitative learning in all our institutions.

We recognise that the world is facing serious economic crisis at this time and Kwara is not immune. Even then, the Ministry of Tertiary Institution, Science and Technology has not approved any pay cut or leave without pay for any category of workers at this time. To this extent, the decision for pay cut or leave without pay is hereby reversed with immediate effect.

Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu

Hon. Commissioner,

Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.

28th April, 2020