Ondo State single polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) is in mess over the welfarism of its workforce.
The workers are being owed 11 months salary arrears and there seems to be no hope in sight.
Investigation by The Precision NG revealed that the workers are owed December 2016, January 2017 and January – September 2021 salaries.
Also, the workers have not been promoted in the last two years.
In a chat with The Precision NG, the Chairman of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr Adebayo Obayoriade said the union have used every means at its disposal to resolve the impasse, but to no avail.
Obayoriade, himself an indigene of Owo said the union has met with elders of the community including the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin and the Ojomo Luda of Ijebu Owo but to no avail.
He added that some Owo indigenes in government have also been contacted but they would appeal to us to be patient.
Obayoriade also hinted that the union has written twice to the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for a one on one discussion on the matter but has not responded to the letters.
He said the government is to be blamed for the present challenges facing them.
According to him, the government should pay some of the arrears, as this would ease the tension among workers.
When contacted the Public Relations Director of the institution, Mr Samuel Ojo said that situation is under control.
Mr Ojo said the Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo recently met with the management and some union members and promised to pay some of the arrears in the next few days.
But the NASU Chairman, Mr Obayoriade said the situation has gone of control as time is no longer on their side.
He said the union has respected the school’s management by not disrupting the just concluded examination.
According to him many of their staff had died due to the non-payment of salaries.
He said the union will take a final stand on the next action at a congress holding later in the week.
According to him, the union has taken all steps within its ambit as a pressure group, adding that the congress would determine the next line of action.
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to reflect the correct months of salaries owed the workers.
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