ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJ)- Staff members of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in Ondo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of their salaries by the Ondo State Government.
The protesting workers, comprising members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), staged a peaceful demonstration on the institution’s campus, expressing frustration over six months of unpaid salaries and the government’s failure to implement the national minimum wage.
Carrying placards with messages such as “We are hungry, pay our six months’ salaries,” “Mr Governor pls implement our 2025 budget,” and “Acting Rector pls clear our 2022, 2023 and 2024 promotion arrears,” the workers called for immediate action.
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Speaking during the protest, Chairman of NASU, RUGIPO chapter, Mr. Julius Olugbenga-Aro, alongside his SSANIP counterpart, Mr. Saka Olokungboye, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently address the workers’ demands. Olugbenga-Aro stated,
“This is to protest the non-payment of six months’ salary arrears and the failure of the Ondo State to implement the national minimum wage for us.”
While acknowledging the governor’s recent developmental efforts, including the conversion of the polytechnic to a university, the union leaders urged the state government to authorize the immediate release of outstanding salaries, implement the 2025 budget, and commence payment of the new minimum wage.
They further called on the government to act swiftly to prevent extended disruption of the academic calendar.