Workers across state-owned tertiary institutions in Ondo State, under the umbrella of concerned stakeholders, have expressed strong outrage over the state government’s failure to implement the approved ₦70,000 minimum wage and address lingering operational challenges within the sub-sector.
In a statement signed by Comrade Olayemi Olanitori, the workers raised sharp criticism against Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, accusing his administration of failing to deliver on recent financial commitments despite grand official announcements.
Particular concern was raised over the much publicized 60 percent increase in monthly subvention to state tertiary institutions, which staff members claim has yielded no visible impact on their take-home pay. Instead, reports indicate that several institutions recently received releases based on old funding allocations, leaving employees subject to outdated pay schedules.
The plight of workers at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) was highlighted as the most severe case of disparity. While employees in core ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the state have transitioned to the 70,000 Naira minimum wage baseline, RUGIPO staff allegedly remain tied to an archaic 18,000 Naira wage structure. The stakeholders criticized this development as discriminatory treatment, stressing that higher institution workers are facing severe economic hardship, housing distress, and difficulty meeting basic family obligations amid rising inflation.
In addition to wage disparity, the workers pointed to broader infrastructural and social security deficits across the campuses. Concerns were raised regarding poor pension funding, insufficient staff welfare packages, and deteriorating health facilities, specifically noting that the health center at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic requires immediate rehabilitation to properly serve students and staff.
Demanding immediate governmental action, the group urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to establish full transparency regarding state expenditures. They called for the public release of figures detailing the exact funds approved and disbursed under the 60 percent subvention policy for each tertiary institution.
The statement concluded with an appeal to traditional rulers, religious leaders, trade unions, and civil society organizations across Ondo State to intervene before the situation leads to widespread industrial unrest. The workers warned that ongoing administrative delays risk destroying the state’s higher education system, demanding the immediate payment of all wage arrears, full implementation of the 70,000 Naira minimum wage across all institutions, and constructive dialogue between the government and institutional trade unions.
