Workers across state-owned universities and polytechnics in Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently address their unpaid wages and implement the approved minimum wage. The workers threatened to shut down all academic activities if their demands are not met within 14 days.
The affected institutions include:
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA)
- Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH)
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED)
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO)
In a protest letter addressed to the state government, the Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI) expressed deep concern over the worsening living conditions of their members. They lamented being excluded from the payment of the 2024 National Minimum Wage already enjoyed by other civil servants in the state.
According to the union, despite the government approving the 2025 budgetary allocations for these institutions, the funds have not been released, leaving workers struggling to survive.
The committee revealed that previous appeals and meetings with government representatives failed to yield any positive result. They insisted that their demands must be met to avoid industrial action that could disrupt the state’s education sector.
Their demands include:
- Immediate release of the 2025 budgetary allocations for all state-owned tertiary institutions.
- Full implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage for university and polytechnic staff.
- Payment of outstanding subventions withheld since January 2017.
- Settlement of 54 months’ arrears from the 2019 minimum wage adjustments.
- Payment of seven months’ unpaid salaries owed to staff at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.
Additionally, the union is calling for the dissolution of all existing governing councils in the affected institutions, the reopening of the main entrance at Adekunle Ajasin University, and the payment of the final tranche of wage awards promised by the government.
JAC-ODSTI warned that failure to meet these demands within the 14-day ultimatum would lead to a total shutdown of academic activities, affecting students and staff across the state.
“The current situation is unbearable for our members who can no longer cope with hunger and hardship,” the union stated. “We urge the state government to act swiftly to prevent a full-blown crisis in the education sector.”
