Unions shut down polytechnic over non-implementation of minimum wage

The workers’ unions of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Monday locked all the entrances leading into the institution thereby disrupting the resumption of the institution for academic activities after the Christmas break.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers unions comprise the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics.

Members of the school management, officials and students were not allowed entry into the school premises thereby stalling the scheduled examinations slated to start today.

Speaking with NAN in Ibadan, Biodun Abegunde, the Chairman Senior Staff Association Nigeria Polytechnics, The Polytechnic, Ibadan chapter, said that the action was necessitated due to non implementation of minimum wage.

He said the unions were also demanding the removal of a consultant in charge of the school finances to give room to financial autonomy for the institution.

“The unions are agitating for the implementation of the minimum wage and the removal of a consultant who has been handling and managing the financial affairs of the institution.

“This is a move towards financial autonomy. So the unions are clamouring for removal of the Consultant so that due process can be maintained by the institution.

“We want the institution to have powers to manage its affairs. The current mode of operation is affecting the smooth running and operation of the institution and the entire community of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are not happy.

“We want the council of the institution to be the ones running the affairs of The Polytechnic, Ibadan,” Mr Abegunde said.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Soladoye Adewole, said the notice he had was that there would be a Congress by the unions for 8 a.m.

“And if there is going to be a congress, I assume that people will have to come in to attend their congress,” Mr Soladoye said.

(NAN)