Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions began an indefinite strike on Monday, following the non-payment of staff minimum wage and other arrears.
This was disclosed in Ibadan by Dr. Kola Lawal, the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Oyo State Tertiary Institutions.
Lawal said the unions were also calling for the implementation of the approved 25 and 35 per cent salary increment.
According to him, JAC, comprising 15 unions across five state-owned tertiary institutions, had been actively negotiating with the managements of the institutions to address the issues.
“Since January 2024, our counterparts in other institutions have been benefiting from the approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increment. However, despite several meetings, notices, and ultimatums, our managements have been unable to implement these increases and the new minimum wage.
Notably, institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education promptly implemented the increment.
On Feb. 6 and 7, 2025, we embarked on a two-day warning strike to press for our demands. Following this, we extended a final three-day ultimatum, considering ongoing accreditation exercises. Regrettably, as of March 5, 2025, no substantial progress has been made,” Lawal said.
He further revealed that based on this, JAC was compelled to commence an indefinite strike, demanding responses to all the demands brought for negotiation.
“We are also demanding 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. We urge all members to stand united and participate fully in this strike action.
We appeal to His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, to intervene and ensure that the welfare of workers in our state-owned tertiary institutions is prioritised by our respective institutions,” he said.
Lawal reminded that education is the foundation of societal development, and those contributing to it deserving fair and just treatment.
On the other side of these developments, rectors of the affected institutions have appealed to the aggrieved unions to shelve the strike. Their appeal was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr Soladoye Adewole.
According to the statement, this appeal was brought forth by rectors of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Okeogun Polytechnic, Saki; The College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; and The Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate.
The statement revealed that the rectors met with representatives of the industrial unions, asking for more time for further negotiation and consultation.
Further details in the statement highlighted that to the mind of the authorities of these institutions, a strike action, as of now, is “ill-timed and will disrupt activities in the various institutions as well as efforts being made on consultations and negotiations.”
The authorities also appealed, expressing that it would be “appreciated if the unions considered the negative effects such a strike would have on the students and the neighbourhood hosting the institutions.”
The statement read,
“The Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of industrial unions in the tertiary institutions, Dr Kola Lawal, assured the authorities of the institutions that being representatives of the unions, an online meeting would be held with their executives and members to consider the appeal made by the authorities of the various institutions.”
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