Academic activities paralysed On Tuesday, as members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo, Ondo State, continued their strike with a peaceful protest.
The two unions members today gathered at the institution’s main gate to enforce their decision, preventing staff from entering the premises as part of their efforts to ensure compliance with the strike directive.
Comrade Saka Olokungboye, the Chairman of SSANIP in the Institution emphasized that they would not entertain any negotiations from the government unless they followed the terms set by the unions.
According to him, the terms include the immediate payment of six months’ salary arrears and the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage.
He also pointed out that the union has shown considerable patience and understanding toward the students during this period.
Also, Olokungboye revealed that a meeting has been scheduled in Akure with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, and Special Duties.
However, Comrade Oluyemi Olanitori, the SSANIP Secretary, expressed concerns about the inadequacy of workers’ salaries, stating that it was so low that employees could not afford the standard of living they work hard for.
He questioned why the government would establish an institution without providing the necessary funding.
Comrade Olanitori urged the government to allocate more resources to education to ensure the smooth operation of the institution.