By Ayodele Oni
Three Ondo State Government-owned Universities have given notice of an indefinite strike over issues which include wage award among others.
The institutions, Adekunle Ajasin University, (AAU), Akungba, Olusegun Agagu University Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa and University of Medical Sciences, Ondo said the strike will commence on Monday.
The Joint Action Committee, (JAC) of the three institutions stated in the notice that “Notice is hereby given to the general public especially parents and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa and University of Medical Sciences, Ondo that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU, NASU and NAAT of these universities shall be embarking on an indefinite industrial strike as from 12:00 am of Monday, 26th February , 2024.
“This is to press home for the payment of the #35,000 Wage Award in which three tranches have been paid to other civil servants in the State. Apart from the payment of wage award of N35,000, other issues under contention are as follows:
The statement signed by Tayo Ogungbeni, Chairman, JAC-ODSTI and Kunle Akinwonmi,Secretary, JAC-ODSTI, added that “Immediate implementation of 2019 National Minimum Wage to OAUSTECH, Okitipupa and UNIMED, Ondo.100 percent increment in the statutory subvention to all the state universities.
“Release of capital votes for all the state universities, and Bailout for payment of third parties deductions from Cooperative Societies/Check-off dues and payment of the retirement benefits of our retired members.
“We have done everything humanly possible to get the attention of the state government on the above listed agitations and all our efforts have proved abortive despite meeting with the State Deputy Governor and the Chief of Staff to the Governor as well as written several letters to the State Governor, the Pro-Chancellors and Governing Council of various universities and various University Managements.
“It is, indeed, a painful but necessary decision to take because our members are dying of hunger.
“In view of the scorching economic situation we found ourselves, it is now difficult for us to transport ourselves to our various offices and our salaries could no longer take us anywhere!
“During this indefinite strike, all administrative and technical services in all our universities are hereby suspended. This includes issuance of Transcripts, Health Services, supplies of electricity and water to the hostels, information communication services, laboratory services etc.
“This strike action shall be total and no concession is given to any of our members to provide any services during the period. Any member who wishes to sabotage our collective decision should be ready for the consequences, please.
“We are also using this medium to appeal to our visitor, His Execellency, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to use his good offices to resolve this issue without any further delay.”
