From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Hope Waddell Legacy Foundation (HWLF) has commenced a monthly salary augmentation programme for teaching staff at the Hope Waddell Training Institution in Calabar, Cross River State.
In a statement issued to news correspondents in Calabar and signed by the Executive Secretary, Elder Emmanuel Ewa, the Foundation said the initiative is aimed at stabilising the workforce, addressing recent resignations caused by low pay, and protecting academic standards at one of Nigeria’s oldest educational institutions, established in 1895.
Ewa explained that the programme is being implemented under a salary scale approved by the Foundation and endorsed by the National Executive Council of the Hope Waddell Old Students’ Association (HWOSA).
According to him, HWLF is funding 50 per cent of the recommended salary increase. He disclosed that in January 2026, the first phase of the programme disbursed N920,000 to 49 full-time staff and one part-time teacher.
He added that the payments will continue until the Presbyterian Church Education Authority conducts a broader salary review for all its schools.
The Executive Secretary further explained that funding for the initiative is sourced from the Foundation’s investment income and surplus donations.
“HWLF has raised over N174 million from alumni, class sets, individual donors, and the state government,” he noted.
Meanwhile, he revealed that a total of N160 million has been invested in Treasury Bills, generating more than N27 million in returns.
He added that all funds are held in joint accounts with First Bank of Nigeria and managed by the Board’s Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer to ensure transparency.
The Foundation was incorporated on January 21, 2025, and formally launched in March 2025.
It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the National Executive Council of HWOSA. Members of the Board include Mr. Akabom Enebong (Chairman), Chief Barr. Anta Ekei Pascal (Vice Chairman), Mr. Nsikak Ekure (Secretary), Elder Indonesit Ekpenya (Treasurer), Elder Ntuk Ntuk (Member), Mr. Ekpo Nta (Member), and Mr. Mfonso Eka (Member).