‘Consider the future of students’ — Ondo poly begs lecturers to suspend strike

The management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo state has appealed to the institution’s chapter of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) to call off its ongoing strike.

On June 9, lecturers at the polytechnic commenced strike over non-payment of their 13-month salary by the state government.

In a statement on Sunday, Gani Ogundahunsi, the rector, begged the lecturers to shelve the strike to enable students participate in the first semester exams earlier scheduled for June 13.

Ogundahunsi said the management has met with ASUP, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), and Non Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP) on the issue.

“We appeal for patience. I sympathise with all the staff. But they need to show some level of endurance and sacrifice because they will soon smile again,” he said.

“So, I am appealing to the unions to consider the future of the students and allow them return to class for their examinations.”

Damilola Fapetu, the institution’s ASUP chairman, had earlier said the union will not suspend the strike until its demands are met.

“After much emphasis and extensive deliberation, the congress unanimously agreed to withdraw the services of members from participating in the scheduled first-semester examination exercise which is proposed to commence on 13th June 2023, until the condition below is met,” he had said.

“We want the payment in full of all outstanding (13 months) salary arrears owed to the staff of the institution.”