…Withdraw from duties over unpaid wage, poor funding
Labour unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, have joined the ongoing 14-day warning strike declared by the Joint Action Congress (JAC) of Ondo State Tertiary Institutions (ODSTI), citing what they described as sustained neglect by the state government towards public higher institutions.
The unions involved, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), have suspended all non-academic services on the OAUSTECH campus, effectively shutting down administrative operations.
Confirming the development on Monday, Chairman of the OAUSTECH chapter of JAC, Mr Bobola Bamigbola, said the industrial action followed full adherence to the directive issued by the state leadership of the joint union council.
“No member of the three unions reported for duty today. We are fully complying. Only members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have opted out of the action,” he stated.
The strike, which commenced on 20 June 2025, is also affecting other state-owned tertiary institutions under the ODSTI platform: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko; the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. The walkout has disrupted vital services and stalled operations across the institutions.
Union leaders say their grievances stem from persistent unfulfilled obligations by the Ondo State Government, including failure to implement the new national minimum wage, delay in releasing wage award arrears, and prolonged underfunding of institutions.
They also raised concerns over the state’s alleged disregard for the welfare of retired workers, citing outstanding gratuity payments yet to be addressed.
Union sources indicated that the 14-day strike is intended as a warning to prompt government action. Should the state government continue to delay addressing the demands, the unions warned that a total and indefinite strike may follow, with potentially severe consequences for the state’s tertiary education system.
