Tertiary institutions owned by Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike due to the non-payment of the minimum wage and other outstanding arrears.
Kola Lawal, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing staff unions in these institutions, confirmed the development in Ibadan.
According to Lawal, the unions are also demanding the implementation of the approved 25% and 35% salary increments, which their counterparts in other institutions, such as Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, have already been receiving since January 2024.
Despite several meetings, notices, and ultimatums, Lawal noted that management had yet to address the issues, prompting the unions to take action.
He recalled that a two-day warning strike was held on February 6 and 7, followed by a final three-day ultimatum. However, as of March 5, 2025, there had been no tangible progress, necessitating an indefinite strike.
JAC is also advocating for an increase in subventions to the institutions to ensure they can meet their financial obligations, including the implementation of the new wage structure.
The committee urged all members to remain resolute and actively participate in the strike while appealing to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and prioritize the welfare of workers in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, rectors of the affected institutions have called on the unions to reconsider the strike.
A statement issued by Soladoye Adewole, spokesperson for The Polytechnic, Ibadan, revealed that the 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, met with union representatives to seek more time for negotiations.
The rectors cautioned that the strike could disrupt academic activities and ongoing consultations, urging the unions to consider its impact on students and host communities.
In response, Lawal assured that JAC would hold an online meeting with union executives and members to deliberate on the appeal from the institutions’ authorities.
