Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANUP), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic chapter, have begun 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 aggrieved workers gathered in large numbers at the institution’s main gate in Owo, Ondo State, condemning what they described as the exclusion of the polytechnic from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters urged the state government to urgently address their demands.
The union’s chairman, Saka-Olokungboye Nurudeen, described the situation as unjust, noting that employees in other ministries and government agencies across Ondo State are already benefiting from the revised wage structure, while polytechnic staff remain on the outdated ₦18,000 salary.
Mr. Nurudeen further alleged that the state government owes staff three months’ salary arrears, compounding their financial difficulties.
He insisted that the protest would continue until the approved minimum wage is implemented for polytechnic workers and all outstanding arrears are paid.
He also called on the authorities to act promptly to avert further disruption to academic and administrative activities at the institution.
