By Peter Omopo
Members of the (SSANUP), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic chapter, have commenced a five-day protest over the continued payment of ₦18,000 as minimum wage, despite the Federal Government’s approval of ₦70,000 in 2024.
The protesting workers converged at the main gate of in Owo, , on Monday, decrying what they described as the institution’s exclusion from the implementation of the new wage structure.
Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with various inscriptions, the workers called on the state government to urgently address their demands.
Chairman of the union, Saka-Olokungboye Nurudeen, described the situation as unjust, noting that employees in other ministries and government agencies across the state are already benefiting from the revised minimum wage, while polytechnic staff remain on the outdated ₦18,000 salary.
Nurudeen also alleged that the state government owes staff three months’ salary arrears, further worsening their financial challenges.
He said the protest would continue until the approved minimum wage is implemented for polytechnic workers and all outstanding arrears are settled.
The union leader warned that failure to act promptly could lead to further disruption of academic and administrative activities at the institution.
