The staff of the Polytechnic Ibadan, represented by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), have urged the Oyo State Government to promptly and effectively address urgent issues concerning their welfare.
Following a joint congress of the three unions held on the school premises recently, members emphasized that the staff’s welfare, the sustainability of operations, and overall institutional harmony are at risk.
In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Kola Lawal, FNITP (ASUP Chairman), Mr. Abiodun Abegunde (SSANIP Chairman), and Mr. Kareem Adegoke (NASU Chairman), the unions highlighted critical issues such as salary augmentation, the implementation of a 25/35 percent salary increase, a review of the consultant’s role appointed by the Oyo State Government to oversee revenue practices, and the 2023 promotions.
The statement reads in part: “The Congress acknowledged and appreciated the management for the timely disbursement of salaries, as mandated by the State Governor.
“Nevertheless, several persistent issues were highlighted that if not promptly addressed, could disrupt the institution’s industrial harmony.
“The Congress voiced strong opposition to the practice of augmenting salaries from internally generated revenue (IGR).
“It was revealed that approximately eighty-five million naira (N85,000,000.00) is diverted monthly for this purpose, culminating in about one billion naira annually.
“It was resolved that the Oyo State Government must provide full subvention to end salary augmentation, thus restoring the institution’s capacity to meet its critical operational needs.
“The Congress critically reviewed the role of the Platinum Consultant, appointed to oversee revenue practices in higher institutions.
“It was noted that the consultant retains 10 per cent of all internally generated revenue, a practice deemed exploitative and unnecessary.
“Moreover, the consultant’s involvement appears discriminatory, as universities such as LAUTECH and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, as well as the recently upgraded Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, are exempt from such oversight.
“This inequity has hindered the Polytechnic, Ibadan’s faculties, from conducting annual academic conferences for the past three years.
“The Congress resolved that the institution must be immediately exempted from the Platinum Consultant’s oversight to ensure equitable treatment and operational efficiency.
“The Congress expressed profound disappointment at the lack of action regarding the implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increment, which has already been effected at LAUTECH since February 2024.
“This disparity is particularly troubling, as federal institutions have also begun this implementation, with arrears paid in January 2024.
“It was resolved that the management must expedite the implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increment and pay arrears dating back to January 2024 without further delay.
“The Congress also highlighted the delay in issuing 2023 promotion letters to senior staff, citing the absence of an inaugurated governing council as an unacceptable excuse.
“The government’s failure to inaugurate the council is viewed as a deliberate act of bad faith, unfairly penalising the staff.
“It was resolved that the government must either establish the governing council immediately or authorise the Honourable Commissioner for Education to approve the promotions, in line with practices at federal polytechnics.”
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