By Adeboye Ado

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The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, has commenced indefinite strike yesterday.

The Hope gathered that the Union leaders were stationed at the institution’s main gate to ensure compliance with the strike order, restricting entry for fellow NASU members.

Speaking on the development, the branch Chairman of NASU, Mr. Olugbenga Aro, said the strike was in line with directives from the union’s national leadership, which ordered the closure of the campus gates to all NASU-affiliated staff.

Aro cited multiple grievances, including the non-payment of six months’ salaries, delayed implementation of the new minimum wage that is already in effect for state workers, and the stagnation of staff promotions since 2020.

He stressed that the unresolved issues have adversely affected the institution’s growth, especially when compared to other state-owned polytechnics in Ondo State.

The protest also drew the support of the chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State, Comr. Tayo Ogungbeni, who stood in solidarity with the striking workers.

He described the situation as unacceptable and hinted at the possibility of wider, peaceful protest by staff across all state-owned tertiary institutions to demand improved welfare conditions.

While confirming the ongoing strike, a NASU member who pleaded anonymity noted that the action is currently limited to non-academic staff.

He added that academic activities and student-related operations remain unaffected, as teaching staff and students continue with their regular schedules.