By Gabriella Ogbu
Staff of polytechnics and colleges of education in Oyo State will commence an indefinite strike on Thursday, February 6, 2025, over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Dr. Kola Lawal, announced the strike in a statement on Sunday, expressing frustration that, despite increased government subvention, institution management has failed to apply the new wage structure.
Governor Seyi Makinde had approved an N80,000 minimum wage for state workers, effective January 2025.
While universities like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education have implemented the new wage, polytechnic and college staff remain excluded.
JAC has issued a deadline of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for full payment, warning that failure to comply will lead to a total shutdown of state-owned polytechnics and colleges of education.
“This industrial action will continue until our demands are met. We urge those responsible to act swiftly to prevent disruptions in academic activities,” Lawal stated.
The union called on the state government to intervene and ensure fair treatment for all tertiary institution staff in line with Governor Makinde’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
