Michael Adenrele
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), represented by Comrade Thompson Adegunle, along with the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), chaired by Comrade Dada Olamilekan Adamo, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), led by Comrade Adeleye Tajudeen, have stated that they are prepared to resume work once their demands are addressed.
This was disclosed during a live program called ‘Oju Abe’ on a broadcast station, Splash 106.7 FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
Renowned Presenter, Ayomide Adetunji (Mr. Quality), who anchored the programme, shed light on the challenges faced by both students and staff at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, which include delayed salary payments, slow promotion processes, and a sluggish academic calendar, delayed results. The government is actively seeking lasting solutions to these issues.
Mr. Quality, revealed that since 2019, when Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun assumed office, he has been committed to enhancing the education sector and resolving crises in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).
He said, however, the staff of the institution have gone on strike four times during the his tenure, leading to setbacks for students aspiring to continue their education.
“Some students have had to extend their program duration from two to three years due to these strikes, which were primarily caused by delayed salary payments and promotions.”
The current strike, initiated on October 5, 2023, by ASUP, SSANIP, and NASU, stems from three months of unpaid salaries by the institution’s management.
ASUP’s chairman expressed frustration, noting that previous salary delays had left them with meager amounts, especially for those who had taken loans.
He also added that the salary of the over staff per month is equivalent to 160 milions.
He also highlighted that deductions for contributory pension funds have not translated into actual retirement benefits for over 60 months.
This means that if he were to retire, there would be no retirement benefits to rely on.
NASU’s chairman further emphasized that the owed salaries to the lowest-ranking staff of the institution amount to up to three million naira. This salary issue has persisted since 2017.
He added that some staff who were due for promotion in 2020 have not received it up until this moment, and the promotion should have entailed both a position upgrade and a salary increase.
SSANIP’s chairman, Comrade Dada Olamilekan Adamo, affirmed that the strike would end only if the Ogun State government commits to paying their salaries.
He assured that if their demands are addressed this week, they will be prepared to resume work starting from next Monday.