Salaries: "Rugipo's current situation will be resolved soon" --- Deputy Rector assures

By Olatunde Bele, Owo

The Deputy Rector on Academics of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Engr. Lawson has affirmed that the present situation of the institution will be resolved soon.

Lawson, In a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday explained that the concerned bodies will hold a congress meeting on Wednesday or Thursday (20th or 21st of October, 2021), in order to deliberate, resolve issues and return to the normal school activities.

It will be recalled that Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SANIP) began an indefinite strike on Friday, 15th of October, 2021; and continued on Monday, 18th, which was the day of resumption for all returning students to commence the Second Semester, for 2020/2021 Academic Session.

The institution's Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) Chairman, Obayoriade Adebayo while speaking with our correspondent, disclosed that they were yet to be paid eleven (11) months salary by the Ondo State Government and have not been given promotion since the past three years (2019, 2020 and 2021).

"The staff of other sisters Higher Institutions of the state such as Adekunle Ajasin University (AKUNGBA) and Olusegun Agagun University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), have been paid part of their salaries since the beginning of this year till the month of May 2021, while the staff of the citadel (RUGIPO Chapter), are being ignored" He said.

He further appealed to the school Management and the Ondo State Government to respond to their agitation and meet their demands.

Moreover, the Council of Governor's Chairman, Tabiti Inumidun cautions students to be hopeful and prayerful in overcoming the current situation. 

Tabiti also advised the School Management and the State Government to meet lecturers demands.