The immediate past Registrar of the University of Calabar, Amb. Gabriel Egbe, has urged Nigerian workers to shift their focus from salary increments to advocating for economic policies that address inflation. He made this call during an interactive forum organized by the University of Calabar Alumni Association as part of the institution’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Speaking on the topic “The University of Calabar at 50: The Dynamics of Its Workforce,” Egbe argued that inflation, rather than low wages, is the primary challenge confronting Nigerian workers. He noted that employees often overlook the real issues affecting their financial well-being and instead push for higher wages, which do little to improve their purchasing power in an economy where the naira continues to depreciate.
According to Egbe, increasing salaries without addressing inflation will only worsen the economic strain on workers. He emphasized that what is needed is a strong push for government policies that will restore the value of the naira both in local and international markets. He pointed out that without a stable currency, any increase in wages would be rendered meaningless, as prices of goods and services would continue to rise, eroding the real value of earnings.
He urged the federal government to take immediate steps to strengthen the naira and repair its declining purchasing power. He stressed that implementing sound economic policies would go a long way in alleviating the financial struggles of Nigerian workers, rather than merely increasing their salaries.
Egbe further opined that, contrary to popular belief, Nigerian workers are not necessarily underpaid. He argued that the real issue lies in the devaluation of their earnings, making their salaries seem inadequate. He called on workers to demand economic reforms that would stabilize the currency instead of focusing solely on wage increases.
In his remarks to University of Calabar graduates employed at the institution, Egbe encouraged them to demonstrate greater commitment to their duties. He cautioned against using low remuneration as an excuse for inefficiency, urging them to contribute positively to the growth and development of the university.
