By Banji Ayoola
Investigations by The Radiance have shown that the payment of the N70,000 new national minimum wage, and suspension of union activities with their leaders by the Ondo State Government, are the main stumbling blocks to the resolution of the lingering crisis grounding the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, and resumption of normal activities.
However, as gathered from sources at the institution,, the change of guard at RUGIPO by the state government, which was one of the workers’ initial demands, enjoys an overwhelming support of the workers.
According to sources,: “The appointment of Engr. Dr. Lawson Olorunwa Sunday as Acting Rector of RUGIPO has been well received by the majority of the workforce.
“However, we are now demanding that the government should immediately lift the suspension on union activities and leadership, and expedite action on the implementation of the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
“The Acting Rector has pleaded with the workforce to give him a few days to work with relevant government agencies to address these issues.”
Another source said: ” The government has not been sincere to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo.
“In the middle of negotiation, the state government through the office of Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties suspended union activities and union leaders.
“If you go through the terms of references given to the committee set up to revew the implementation of the minimum wage in the Polytechnic suppose to meet the union leaders, but with this suspension who will speak for the workers?
“Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo will only resume work if we have the guarantee that government will start the payment of minimum wage for staff.”
Also, another stakeholder who is a former spokesman of the institution, Mr S. O. Ojo, said that “The change of baton appears to have no effect in the system.”
In an exclusive interview, Ojo told The Radiance: “The change of baton can be effective when the main demand of #70k minimum demand is met.
“It can work when the suspension placed on union activities is lifted and that of their leaders.
“The situation as it is does not help the lnstitution.
“Just from the news, a mysterious death of a student living at Emure- ile became widespread and attributed to suicide.
“I think your organ on dissemination can focus on the plights ranging in Rugipo with a view to drawing public sympathy to these myriad of plights facing the Polytechnic community”
Ojo, now a consultant, said: “My main concern here is that if the plight facing the Polytechnic is solved by relevant authority, it may likewise curb some of these negative happenings.
‘Inactivity of academics creates room for idleness and this vice can lead to several unpleasant developments.
“I think something urgently need be done to curb these occurrences.
“It is when the Polytechnic is stable that the new helmsman can perform.”
The deceased student, said to be aged 20, and a Computer Engineering student at the institution, named Audi Emmanuel, reportedly died by hanging himself in controversial circumstances.
The incident reportedly occurred along Awolowo Road, Emure Ile in Owo local government area.
As confirmed by the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, “The Ondo State Police Command confirms the report of a suspected suicide incident at Emure-Ile involving a 20-year-old student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, who was found dead in his residence.
“Police operatives promptly visited the scene, where the body was recovered and deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy. Preliminary observations suggest a case of suicide; however, a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Command commiserates with the family of the deceased and urges members of the public to seek support and speak up during moments of emotional distress, as help is always available.”
Ondo State Government, owners of the institution, had declared on April 22 that it would enforce the “No work, no pay” rule against the striking RUGIPO workers who failed to resume,vasbit directed.
It had also directed the immediate suspension of all union activities; and all union leadership in the institution until further notice.
On Monday, April 27, a new Acting Rector, ,Engr. (Dr.) Lawson Olorunwa Sunday, had assumed duty at the institution amid workers’ rousing welcome, seekimg support for full resumption of normal academic and administrative activities.
.He was given a warm and enthusiastic welcome by members of staff at the Polytechnic Main Gate, as disclosed on Monday in a statement by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi.
According to the statement: “The atmosphere was marked by excitement and renewed hope, as staff gathered to receive the new Acting Rector and express their expectations for a new phase in the administration of the institution.
“Addressing the workers, Engr. Olorunwa Sunday expressed appreciation for the goodwill extended to him and assured that all issues affecting the Polytechnic would be given due attention through appropriate channels.
“He also assured staff that matters relating to promotion would be addressed with the urgency they deserve, in line with established procedures.
Olugosi said::
“In a subsequent meeting with key stakeholders, the Acting Rector appealed to all members of staff to comply with the directive of the Ondo State Government on the resumption of academic and administrative activities.
“He noted that the prolonged disruption had negatively impacted academic programmes, administrative operations, and, most importantly, students, whose academic progress must be prioritised.
“Engr. Olorunwa Sunday further stated that the State Government has demonstrated commitment to staff welfare, particularly through the payment of outstanding salary arrears and the constitution of a committee to address the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“Some stakeholders, in their contributions, emphasised the need to address concerns relating to the suspension of union activities as part of efforts to achieve lasting stability within the institution.
“Responding, the Acting Rector appealed for understanding and cooperation, urging staff to resume duties while engagements continue, and assuring that steps would be taken to address the concerns raised within the shortest possible time.
“Also speaking, the Acting Registrar, Mr. O. M. Oloye, appealed to stakeholders to consider the position of Management and allow ongoing efforts to resolve the issues in a peaceful and orderly manner, in the overall interest of the progress of the institution.
“The Acting Rector reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, calling on all stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring full normalcy in the Polytechnic.”.
