Workers at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) in Owo, Ondo State, have begun an indefinite strike over the non-payment of their salaries by the state government.
The workers, who belong to the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), held a peaceful protest on the institution’s campus to voice their frustration.
The protesting workers revealed that they have not been paid for six months and accused the Ondo State Government of neglecting to implement the national minimum wage for polytechnic staff.
Carrying placards with slogans such as “We are hungry, pay our six months’ salaries,” and “Mr Governor, please implement our 2025 budget,” the workers demanded urgent action.
Chairman of NASU at RUGIPO, Mr. Julius Olugbenga-Aro, expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation, saying, “This protest is to express our frustration over the non-payment of six months’ salary arrears and the failure of the Ondo State Government to implement the national minimum wage for polytechnic staff.”
His counterpart from SSANIP, Mr. Saka Olokungboye, also criticized the government, stating that many workers were struggling to meet basic needs due to the unpaid wages.
Despite acknowledging some positive steps taken by the state government, such as the recent approval for RUGIPO’s conversion into a university, union leaders are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and the full implementation of the 2025 institutional budget.
The unions have warned that further delays could lead to prolonged disruptions to the academic calendar, affecting both students and the institution’s operations.