Aiyedatiwa clears salary arrears of Rufus Giwa polytechnic workers

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in a move aimed at restoring stability in the institution.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the intervention followed engagements with the institution’s management and labour unions.

The governor also confirmed the appointment of Dr Simeon Olorunwa Adegun as the substantive Rector of the polytechnic after months of serving in an acting capacity.

Adegun had held the position since October 2024, with his confirmation expected to provide leadership continuity in the institution.

As part of broader reforms, Aiyedatiwa set up a committee to review the implementation of the new minimum wage at the polytechnic, instructing the committee to liaise with the management, labour unions and relevant agencies to audit payroll data, reconcile discrepancies and recommend a sustainable payment structure.

As disclosed, the panel will be chaired by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, alongside other government officials.

Reacting to the latest development, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, said resolving salary challenges was critical to rebuilding confidence among staff, adding that the action taken by the governor will stabilise the institution and restore the confidence of both academic and non-academic workers.

Aiyedatiwa further reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and the smooth operation of state-owned tertiary institutions, stressing that his focus remains on improving staff welfare and ensuring that state institutions function effectively without disruptions.