Oyo state tertiary institutions begin indefinite strike
Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions on Monday began an indefinite strike following the non-payment of staff minimum wage and other arrears.
The Chairman, Joint Action Committee of Oyo State Tertiary Institutions, Dr Kola Lawal, disclosed this in Ibadan.
Lawal said the unions were also calling for the implementation of the approved 25 and 35 per cent salary increments.
He said JAC, comprising 15 unions across five state-owned tertiary institutions, had been actively negotiating with the management of the institutions to address the issues.
Lawal said, “Since January 2024, our counterparts in other institutions have been benefiting from the approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increment. However, despite several meetings, notices, and ultimatums, our management have been unable to implement these increases and the new minimum wage.
“Notably, institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education promptly implemented the increment. On Feb. 6 and 7, 2025, we embarked on a two-day warning strike to press for our demands. Following this, we extended a final three-day ultimatum, considering ongoing accreditation exercises. Regrettably, as of March 5, 2025, no substantial progress has been made.”
He said JAC was thus compelled to commence an indefinite strike, demanding responses to all the demands brought for negotiations.
“We are also demanding 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”, he said.
