- Workers at five Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions are on strike.
- The strike is over the non-payment of the minimum wage and salary increases.
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and other institutions are affected.
- The strike commenced just days after exams began at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
- The Joint Action Committee (JAC) is leading the strike.
Why Are Oyo’s Tertiary Institutions on Strike?
Imagine showing up for your first-semester exams only to find the gates locked. That’s the reality for students at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and several other tertiary institutions in Oyo State. Workers have downed tools, and campuses are deserted. The reason? A bitter dispute over unpaid minimum wage and salary increases.
Which Institutions Are Affected?
The strike isn’t just limited to one school. Here’s a list of the institutions where academic activities have ground to a halt:
- The Polytechnic, Ibadan
- The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki
- Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa
- Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora
- Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate
The Core Grievances: What Workers Want
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing about 15 staff unions, is spearheading the strike. They claim the state government has failed to address key issues, including:
- Non-implementation of the approved 25/35 percent salary increase enjoyed by colleagues in other institutions since January 2024.
- Non-payment of the new minimum wage for workers in the Polytechnic and College of Education sector.
The Impact: Students in Limbo
The timing of the strike is particularly devastating, especially for students at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, who were just beginning their first-semester exams. With entrance gates sealed, students are left in limbo, their academic progress hanging in the balance. The disruption could have far-reaching consequences on their academic year.
Historical Context: Minimum Wage Battles in Nigeria
Minimum wage disputes are not new in Nigeria. In 2019, the Nigerian government approved a new minimum wage of N30,000 (approximately $77 USD at the time). However, implementation has been inconsistent across states and sectors, leading to frequent labor disputes. For context, the current exchange rate in 2024 fluctuates around N1,500 to the dollar, significantly impacting the real value of the minimum wage.
What’s Next? Possible Solutions
As the strike continues, all eyes are on the Oyo State government. Negotiations and compromises are needed to resolve the impasse. Some possible solutions include:
- Immediate implementation of the approved salary increase and minimum wage.
- Open dialogue between the government and JAC representatives.
- A clear timeline for addressing the workers’ demands.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of these institutions and the future of thousands of students. Will the government listen? Only time will tell.
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