3rd July, 2023
By Muftau Ogunyemi
The Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo State has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) to end their strike.
ASUP resigned on June 9 due to the institution’s management failing to pay them 13 months’ salaries.
Dr. Gani Ogundahunsi, the school’s Rector, made the appeal on Monday in Akure.
He asked ASUP to begin operations so that students may take part in the first semester exams, which had previously been set for June 13.
Ogundahunsi explained that management has met with ASUP, SSANIP, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP) on the problem.
”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.
“So, I am appealing to the unions to consider the future of the students and allow them return to class for their examinations,“ he said.
A communiqué signed by the union’s chairman, Ade Arikawe and Secretary, Damilola Fapetu, at the end of a congress held in the institution, stated that they unanimously agreed to withdraw their services until the institution and Ondo State government meet their demands.
The union observed that the current price of fuel has added to the hardship their members were experiencing, calling on the management of the institution and the state government to pay their outstanding salaries without delay.
It read: “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 June 13, 2023, until the condition below is met.
“Before arriving at the decision, we observed that the hardship and challenges of the current price of fuel on our members and attendance at their official duties are making it extremely difficult.
“We want the payment in full of all outstanding (13 months) salary arrears owned by the staff of the institution.
“The congress wishes to strongly emphasise that the decision above is binding on all the financial members of the union (ASUP).”
NAN