By Adeyinka Adeniran
Recently, workers at Oyo state owned tertiary institutions down tools over issues of unpaid wage increments. Yinka Adeniran looks at the issues that sorrounds the strike and its implications for the students
Oyo tertiary institutions’ Never-Ending Agony
The ongoing strike by Oyo State government-owned tertiary institutions have thrown the education sector in the state into chaos. The strike, which has been on for weeks, has left students idle and uncertain about their future. Although, some of the institutions are allowed to conclude ongoing exams, those not writing exams are also not attending classes.
Background of the issues
At the heart of the strike are issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and unpaid salaries. The institutions, which include: The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, among others, have been grappling with these challenges for years.
Corenews reports that, the ongoing strike is the fifth time the institutions would be embarking on strike in the last three years.
History of strikes
In 2022, the institutions went on strike for three months over unpaid salaries and poor funding. The strike was called off after the state government agreed to pay the outstanding salaries and provide funds for infrastructure development.
However, the agreement was not fully implemented, leading to another strike in 2023. The strike lasted for two months before it was called off. The institutions again embarked on strike in 2024 over the same issues, and the strike lasted for one month.
The latest strike
The current strike, which started in February, has been on for over two months. The institutions’ staff are demanding the payment of outstanding salaries, improved funding, and infrastructure development.
Precisely on Monday, March 10, the umbrella body of the workers unions under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Oyo State declared an indefinite strike starting same day over the non-implementation of the approved 25 to 35 percent salary increase and the new minimum wage.
The strike affects five state-owned institutions namely The Polytechnic, Ibadan; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; and Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate.
JAC Chairman, Dr. Kola Lawal, and Secretary, Com. Fatai Abiola in a statement issued to announce the strike expressed frustration of the unions over the prolonged delay in implementing the wage adjustments despite multiple engagements with institution heads, Platinum Consultants, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Education.
Incidentally, the unions previously staged a two-day warning strike on February 6 and 7, 2025, and later granted a final three-day extension on March 5, but no resolution was reached.
JAC in the statement noted that while federal institutions and some state-owned universities, such as Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, have implemented the salary increase, their members continue to face financial hardship.
According to the union, rising living costs, coupled with career-related expenses such as attending conferences and publishing research papers, have placed additional strain on workers, saying the situation is negatively impacting morale and the overall quality of education in the affected institutions.
The Unions however called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and ensure immediate implementation of the new minimum wage, the 25 to 35 percent salary increase, and an increase in subvention to the institutions.
Union demands and queries
According to Dr Lawal, the decision to embarked on strike was reached after extensive deliberations and consultations among the unions, following the inability of the management of the affected institutions to address the longstanding issues of non-implementation of the approved 25/35% salary increase being enjoyed by their colleagues in other institutions since January 2024 and the new minimum wage for workers in the Polytechnics and College of education sector.
He said, “Despite numerous efforts, meetings and notices, on the 25/35% salary increase since January 2024 and also including several meetings with the heads of institutions, representatives of Platinum Consultants, and the Commissioner for Education since the declaration in January 2024 of the approval of new minimum wage payment by Gov. Seyi Makinde, coupled with declaration of industrial dispute on the new minimum wage, as well as a two-day warning strike on February 6 and 7, 2025, no meaningful progress has been made towards resolving the issues.
“The unions gave several notices and ultimatums up till March 5th 2025 when the unions granted the final 3 days additional time for resolution, considering the recent accreditation exercises in some of the institutions, but regrettably, no concrete action has been taken by the authorities.
“The inability to implement the approved wage structure, which has already been enjoyed by workers in federal institutions and some state-owned institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, has left our members in a dire situation.
“The economic realities in the country, coupled with the rising costs of attending conferences and publishing academic papers necessary for career progression and program accreditation, have made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.
“The 15 unions under JAC, representing both teaching and non-teaching staff across the five institutions, have unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to demand the following:
“Immediate implementation of the approved new minimum wage including the earlier approved 25/35% salary increase for workers in Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions.
“An increase in the subvention released to the institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations, including the payment of the approved wage structure.
“This strike action is a last resort, taken after exhausting all avenues for dialogue and negotiation. We urge His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, lover of workers and education, to intervene and ensure that the welfare of workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions is prioritized by our respective management. Education is the bedrock of societal development, and the welfare of those who contribute to it must not be relegated to the background.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the government, governing councils of the institutions, and the general public, to prevail on the necessary authorities to address these issues urgently. The indefinite strike will continue until our demands are met and the welfare of our members is guaranteed.
Rectors’ reaction to strike: A mix of understanding and concern
When the workers of the Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions called for a strike, the Rectors of the institutions expressed a mix of understanding and concern.
Although, they expressed understanding for the grievances of the workers, they were more concerned about the impact of the strike on the academic calendar and the institutions as a whole. They called for a speedy resolution to the issues that led to the strike, in order to minimize the disruption to academic activities.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr Soladoye Adewole, the Rectors were united in appealing to the aggrieved unions to shelve the strike noting that the strike was not only ill-timed, it will also disrupt activities in the various institutions as well as efforts being made on consultations and negotiations.
The Rectors of: The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Okeogun Polytechnic, Saki; The College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and The Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate were all part of the appeal.
Soladoye in his statement disclosed that the rectors met with representatives of the industrial unions, asking for more time for further negotiation and consultation, “The authorities of the institutions noted that a strike action, as of now, is ill-timed and will disrupt activities in the various institutions as well as efforts being made on consultations and negotiations.
According to statement, the rectors met with representatives of the industrial unions, asking for more time for further negotiation and consultation.
“The authorities further noted that it would be appreciated if the unions considered the negative effects such a strike would have on the students and the neighbourhood hosting the institutions.”
In the appeal, The Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Professor Adebiyi, said the management of the institution understood the grievances of the workers, but was concerned about the impact of the strike on the academic calendar. “We are concerned about the timing of the strike, as it may disrupt our academic calendar and affect the graduation of our students,” he said.
Also, The Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Dr. Gbemiga Adaramola, expressed similar sentiments. “We understand the grievances of our workers, but we are worried about the impact of the strike on our students and the institution as a whole,” he said.
The Provost of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Dr. Rasheed Akinade, said the management of the institution was working to resolve the issues that led to the strike. “We are committed to finding a solution to the problems that led to the strike, and we are working closely with the government and the workers’ unions to achieve this,” he said.
Government react
Not unaware of the situation, the state government said it is sensitive to the plight of the staff on what led to the industrial action.
Reacting when contacted, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Salihu Adelabu, said the state government has commenced the payment of the new subvention since January 2025 so that the educational institutions can meet their obligations.
He explained that the bone of contention was because the tertiary institutions staff are public servants and not civil servants, and as such the payment of their salaries is through their institutions and not directly from the government, adding that the issue of 25 percent increments for junior staff, 35 percent increments for senior staff and the minimum wage remains contentions between the workers and the institutions.
More so, he added that, the government awaits the compilation and computations of the new salary structure from the heads of the institutions who were saddled with the task, which is delaying finalising talks on the increments.
He assures that the government is not folding it’s arms on the agitation of the workers, adding that all hands are on deck to have a lasting solution to the issue. He also appealed to the workers ro show understanding with the heads of the institutions, emphasising that their requests will be considered accordingly.
“The tertiary institutions workers are hereby enjoined to be patient with their Heads of tertiary institutions as their request will be adequately reviewed and implemented as appropriate.”
“Hence, the government is not folding its arms on the agitation of the workers, and all hands are on deck to have a lasting solution to the issue.
Prof Adelabu said, “The Oyo State Government is sensitive to the plight of the staff of tertiary institutions even before the proposed and ongoing strike.
“The State Government has started the payment of the new subvention since January 2025 so that the institutions can meet their financial obligations.
“Since tertiary institutions staff are public servants and not civil servants, their salaries are paid through their institutions, the issue of 25% increments for junior staff , 35% increments for senior staff and the minimum wage had been the bone of contentions.
“The State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has met with the leadership of tertiary institutions, and the minimum wage was agreed upon, and it has already been paid.
“The increments is yet to be finalized because heads of tertiary institutions has been saddled with the computation and compilation of the new salary structure after which they will meet with the government to fashion a way forward on it.
“Hence, the government is not folding its arms on the agitation of the workers, and all hands are on deck to have a lasting solution to the issue.
“The tertiary institutions workers are hereby enjoined to be patient with their Heads of tertiary institutions as their request will be adequately reviewed and implemented as appropriate.”
Efforts to broker a truce
When contacted, the JAC Chairman, Dr Lawal said as the strike enters its second days, the leadership or JAC had a productive meeting with the government team on Tuesday. He said the meeting held was with the rectors of the institutions, mediated by Platinum Consultants.
He said two resolutions were reached at the meeting to include: the immediate implementation of new minimum wage and salary increase as well as arrears payment structure.
Additionally, he said, despite these steps, the Joint Action Committee held an emergency meeting late Tuesday evening to assess the situation further, adding that, during the meeting, it was concluded that certain documentations are still required between the unions and the management of the institutions to finalize the details of the agreement.
With the situation, the Chairman said the meeting was suspended until Thursday, March 13, 2025, to allow all parties time to resolve these remaining issues, the continuation of the strike.
He said “The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State, representing the staff unions of five major higher learning institutions in the state, including The Polytechnic, Ibadan, The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, wishes to provide an update on the ongoing indefinite strike action that commenced on Monday, March 10, 2025.
“This action was called to demand the full implementation of the new minimum wage and the long-overdue 25/35% salary increments due to our members across these institutions.
Following a productive meeting earlier today with the rectors of the institutions, mediated by Platinum Consultants, the following resolutions were reached:
‘Immediate Implementation of New Minimum Wage and Salary Increase: The management has promised the full implementation of the new minimum wage, including the 25/35% salary increase, which will take effect from the March salary payment.
“Arrears Payment Structure: The arrears of the minimum wage consequential adjustment for January and February, as well as the 25/35% increase from January to December 2024, will be structured for payment in installments within the current year.
“Despite these steps, the Joint Action Committee held an emergency meeting this evening to assess the situation further. During the meeting, it was concluded that certain documentations are still required between the unions and the management of the institutions to finalize the details of the agreement. As a result, the meeting has been suspended until Thursday, March 13, 2025, to allow all parties time to resolve these remaining issues.
“Until then, the strike action will continue tomorrow, pending the outcome of the Thursday meeting. We are hopeful that by that time, all outstanding matters will be addressed, and a full resolution will be reached.
“It is important to note that the Joint Action Committee and all labour unions within it are not political. Our focus remains solely on the welfare of our members within the legal framework of the law. We strongly dissociate ourselves from any political undertones or colorations that may be associated with our genuine and legitimate demands from our management and government.
“Our actions and decisions are driven by the desire to secure the well-being of our members and improve the working conditions within our institutions, and not by any partisan interests.
We would like to extend our appreciation to Platinum Consultants for their mediation efforts, to the rectors and provosts of our institutions for their continued engagement, and to all stakeholders who have been involved in trying to find a solution to this pressing issue.
“We remain optimistic that an amicable resolution is within reach once we have ensured all terms and agreements are properly documented and implemented.
“Furthermore, we would like to express our profound gratitude to our members across all the five institutions for their unwavering doggedness, resilience, and solidarity during this period of struggle. Their commitment to securing their rights and improving the working conditions within these institutions is a testament to their dedication to quality education and the development of the state.
Impact on students
As the strike continues, the students are the ones who bear the brunt. The strike has disrupted academic activities, leaving students idle and uncertain about their future. “I am supposed to graduate this year, but the strike has disrupted everything,” said a final-year student at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. “I don’t know when I will graduate now.”
The strike has also had a negative impact on the economy of the state. Many businesses around the institutions have been affected, with some shutting down temporarily.
Way Forward
Education stakeholders wants Oyo state government to take urgent steps to address the issues facing the institutions and find a lasting solution to the recurring strike. They said the students and staff of the institutions deserve better, and it is the government’s duty to provide them with a conducive learning environment. As the saying goes, “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” In this case, the students are the grass suffering from the fight between the state government and the institutions’ staff. It is time for the government to take responsibility and find a lasting solution to the crisis.
