On Thursday, the Ondo State House of Assembly intervened in the ongoing crisis at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) in Owo, following protests by staff over the non-payment of six months’ salaries.
The workers, who are members of the Non-Academic Staff Union and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, also accused the state government of failing to implement the national minimum wage.
At the plenary session, Speaker Chief Olamide Oladiji announced that the House had formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter. The committee, headed by Mr. Steven Abitogun (Akure South 2/APC), was given two weeks to thoroughly examine the issue and report its findings.
The Speaker expressed concern about the recurring salary crises at RUGIPO, noting that it seemed to be the only state-owned institution consistently facing such issues, despite having similar funding structures as other institutions.
The committee was tasked with finding lasting solutions to the dispute.
Additionally, Speaker Oladiji announced a four-week recess from April 11 to May 15, allowing lawmakers to address important matters in their constituencies and observe the Easter holiday.
He thanked the members for their continued support and cooperation, especially highlighting their commitment in December when they cut short their recess to screen and confirm commissioner-nominees from the governor.
very important