Hope Waddel Foundation Moves To Curb Teacher Resignation

The Hope Waddell Legacy Foundation (HWLF) has commenced monthly salary augmentation for teaching staff at the Hope Waddell Training Institution, Nigeria’s oldest educational institution, established in 1895.

The move is aimed at stabilising the workforce and protecting academic standards.

In a statement signed by executive secretary, Elder Emmanuel Ewa, sighted by LEADERSHIP,  the foundation said the initiative was designed to “stabilise the workforce, counter recent resignations caused by low pay, as well as to protect academic standards” at the 129-year-old school.

The intervention followed the institution’s loss of teachers due to uncompetitive wages.

Ewa explained that payments are being made “under a salary scale approved by the Foundation and endorsed by the National Executive Council of Hope Waddell Old Students’ Association.”

He confirmed that HWLF is currently “funding 50 per cent of the recommended pay increase” for staff.

The first phase of the program was rolled out in January 2026. “In January 2026, the first phase of the program distributed ₦920,000 to 49 full-time staff and one part-time teacher,” Ewa said.

He added that “these payments will continue until the Presbyterian Church Education Authority conducts a broader salary review for all its schools.”

“Funding for the augmentation is drawn from the Foundation’s investment income and surplus donations”. The statement was maintained.

According to Ewa, “HWLF has raised over 174 million Naira from alumni, class sets, individual donors, and the state government.”

He stated that “a total of ₦160 million Naira has been invested in Treasury Bills, generating more than ₦227 million Naira returns.”

To ensure accountability, Ewa stated that “all funds are held in joint accounts at First Bank of Nigeria and managed by the Board’s Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer to ensure transparency.”

The financial structure is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to prudent management of donor contributions.

The Foundation was incorporated on 21 January 2025 and formally launched in March 2025.

Its mandate covers maintaining and rehabilitating infrastructure, awarding scholarships, supporting students and staff development, and helping graduates maximise their education and skills.