Staff at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have initiated an indefinite strike due to their unpaid salaries spanning three months.
The strike action was called for by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at MAPOLY, with their members instructed to refrain from work starting Thursday.
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Reportedly, students who had come to the institution for lectures on Thursday were forced to return home as there were no lecturers available to teach them.
Some students at Panseke reportedly mentioned that if the workers persist with the “no pay, no work” stance, they may have to return to their parents’ homes.
It was gathered that the various workers’ unions at MAPOLY held congresses on Wednesday, during which the decision for an indefinite strike was reached.
Several disgruntled workers have expressed their frustration with the Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, as well as other management staff and the Governing Council for failing to address their welfare concerns.
According to the workers, they had written numerous letters to the management requesting that staff welfare be given priority, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. They are now appealing to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to step in and assist in paying their outstanding salaries for July, August, and September.
The ASUP Chairman, Tomisin Adegunle, stated that the workers would only return to work after their demands are met, emphasizing the need for all salaries and remuneration to be paid. They are concerned about their future, as deductions have gone unpaid, and some workers are nearing retirement.
In response to the strike action, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of MAPOLY, Yemi Ajibola, confirmed that workers at the institution had indeed commenced the industrial action on Thursday. However, Ajibola claimed that MAPOLY had no funds to meet their demands. He argued that the striking workers were well aware of the polytechnic’s financial situation as they had access to the institution’s account.
The PRO stated, “They (the workers) have access to the polytechnic’s account. They are aware there is no money. How do they want the Rector or the management or the Bursar to get money to pay salaries? We are being owed three months’ salaries; that’s a known fact to all of us on the campus. But the unions have access to the account of the polytechnic; they are aware that there is no money. So they cannot pass a vote of no confidence.”
