Members of the Ondo State Government Committee on the Implementation of the New Minimum Wage on Wednesday met with stakeholders of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), as part of efforts to facilitate the implementation of the new minimum wage and address other critical issues affecting the institution.
The committee was led by its Chairman and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Olaolu Akindolire.
They were earlier received at the Rector’s Office by the Acting Rector, Engr. Dr. Olorunwa Sunday Lawson, alongside principal officers and other members of Management.
Other members of the delegation were Comrade Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters; Mr. Olaleye Phillip (Rtd.), Permanent Secretary; Mr. F. O. Asonja (Rtd.), Permanent Secretary; Mr. Abiodun Ogunduboye; and Mr. Olorunfemi Segun, Secretary of the committee.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Rector commended the Ondo State Government for its commitment to staff welfare and inclusive dialogue, while assuring the committee of the institution’s full cooperation.
The committee subsequently held separate meetings with representatives of staff unions, retirees, and other key stakeholders within the Polytechnic community.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement, Hon. Akindolire said the committee had made considerable progress in its assignment and was in the institution to obtain first-hand information from stakeholders.
He explained that the committee’s mandate includes auditing the staff payroll, determining the cost implications of implementing the new minimum wage, reviewing the report and recommendations of the Prof. Koríko Committee, and proposing a realistic and sustainable implementation framework.
He noted that the committee’s scope had expanded following consultations with stakeholders and reiterated its determination to address the institution’s challenges comprehensively.
“We want to solve the problems and all outstanding liabilities once and for all,” he said.
The Commissioner further assured stakeholders of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to resolving the institution’s challenges, adding that the government was determined to put the Polytechnic on a sound footing ahead of its anticipated transition to a university.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Olufawoye appreciated the committee for providing an opportunity to present their concerns and expressed optimism that its intervention would yield positive results.
Representatives of the staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), also commended the committee’s consultative approach, presented their positions, and expressed confidence in the committee’s assignment.
Also speaking, Comrade Bola Taiwo urged the unions to continue to embrace dialogue and consultation in resolving issues affecting the institution. He appealed for patience and assured stakeholders of the committee’s commitment to promoting staff welfare and institutional development.
The Acting Registrar, Mr. O. M. Oloye, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the committee for its visit and commending the Ondo State Government for its commitment to addressing the concerns of workers, retirees, and other stakeholders in the Polytechnic.
