Academic, non academic activities paralyze as Oyo tertiary institutions proceed on indefinite strike over unpaid wage increments

By Soji Ajibola

Academic and non academic activities have been paralyzed at the various campuses of the Oyo state owned Tertiary Institutions as the teaching and non teaching embarked on an eyewitness indefinite strike to press home their various demands which include unpaid wage increments.

Dr Kola Lawal and Akeem Abiola, Chairman and Secretary of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Oyo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions, comprising 15 unions made this known in a statement made available to the newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.

It was stated that the decision was reached after extensive deliberations and consultations among the unions, following the inability of the management of the affected institutions to address the longstanding issues of non-implementation of the approved 25/35% salary increase and the new minimum wage for workers in the Polytechnics and College of Education sector.

The affected institutions include The Polytechnic, Ibadan; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; and Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate.

The statement read in part, “Despite numerous efforts, meetings, and notices since January 2024, including several meetings with the heads of institutions, representatives of Platinum Consultants, and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, no meaningful progress has been made towards resolving these issues.

“The unions had previously declared an industrial dispute on the new minimum wage and conducted a two-day warning strike on February 6 and 7, 2025, but these actions did not yield any positive results.

“The unions also granted a final three-day extension on March 5, 2025, to allow for resolution, particularly considering the recent accreditation exercises in some of the institutions.

“However, regrettably, no concrete action has been taken by the authorities to address the concerns raised by the unions.

“The inability to implement the approved wage structure, which has already been enjoyed by workers in federal institutions and some state-owned institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, has left members of the JAC in a dire situation.

“The economic realities in Nigeria, coupled with the rising costs of attending conferences and publishing academic papers necessary for career progression and program accreditation, have made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.

“The non-implementation of the approved salary increase and the new minimum wage has created significant financial strain on the workers, who are already grappling with the high cost of living and inflation in the country.

“This situation has not only affected the morale of the workers but has also undermined their ability to perform their duties effectively, thereby impacting the quality of education in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

“The JAC, representing both teaching and non-teaching staff across the five institutions, has unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to demand the immediate implementation of the approved new minimum wage, including the earlier approved 25/35% salary increase for workers in Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions, and an increase in the subvention released to the institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations, including the payment of the approved wage structure.

“The JAC is calling on His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, to intervene and ensure that the welfare of workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions is prioritized. Governor Makinde, who is known for his love for workers and commitment to education, is urged to use his good offices to address the issues raised by the unions.

“The welfare of workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions is crucial to the development of education in Oyo State, and it is imperative that the government takes immediate steps to address the concerns of the workers.

“The JAC is also calling on all stakeholders, including the government, governing councils of the institutions, and the general public, to prevail on the necessary authorities to address these issues urgently.

“The indefinite strike will continue until the demands of the unions are met and the welfare of their members is guaranteed.

“The JAC remains open to meaningful discussions and negotiations with the relevant authorities to resolve the issues and ensure that the workers can return to their duties with their dignity and welfare restored”

Story  By: Soji Ajibola