Academic activities in Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions have been brought to a halt as staff unions commence an indefinite strike over unpaid minimum wage and outstanding arrears.
Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for tertiary institutions in the state, Kola Lawal, confirmed the development in Ibadan, stating that the unions are also pushing for the full implementation of the 25% and 35% salary increments.
He noted that while institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education have benefitted from these increments since January 2024, their counterparts in other institutions are yet to receive theirs.
Lawal recalled that the unions had earlier staged a two-day warning strike on February 6 and 7, followed by a final three-day ultimatum.
However, as of March 5, 2025, no meaningful progress had been made, prompting the unions to take stronger action.
JAC is also calling for an increase in the government’s subvention to these institutions to help them meet financial commitments, including salary adjustments.
Lawal urged union members to remain steadfast and fully participate in the industrial action.
He also appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and address the concerns of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, the management of the affected institutions has urged the unions to reconsider the strike action.
A statement released by Soladoye Adewole, spokesperson for The Polytechnic, Ibadan, indicated that rectors from five institutions—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—held discussions with union representatives, seeking more time for negotiations.
The rectors emphasized that the strike could disrupt academic activities and affect students and the surrounding communities.
In response, Lawal assured that JAC would consult with its members through an online meeting to deliberate on the appeal made by the institutions’ management.
