By Ade Oyeyemi
The Joint Action Committee of unions in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions has suspended its indefinite strike, directing workers to resume duty on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The decision brings an end, for now, to the industrial action that disrupted activities at the state-owned universities since September 2.
JAC-ODSTI said the suspension followed financial intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa aimed at resolving the issues surrounding the implementation of agreements between the Federal Government and the unions.
The affected institutions are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
The unions involved in the dispute are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and National Association of Academic Technologists.
In a statement signed by the committee’s Chairman and Secretary, Tayo Ogungbeni and Kunle Akinwonmi, respectively, the unions instructed their members across the institutions to return to work.
The workers also acknowledged the interventions of the governor and other government officials in efforts to resolve the dispute.
They specifically commended the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and Union Matters, Bola Taiwo.
JAC-ODSTI also appreciated the Nigeria Union of Journalists and members of the public for their support during the dispute.
However, the unions made it clear that the suspension of the strike did not resolve all the issues that led to the industrial action.
They therefore urged the managements of the affected universities to commence immediate action on the non-financial aspects of the Federal Government-union agreement.
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According to the unions, addressing the outstanding matters promptly is important to prevent another breakdown in industrial relations.
The committee said members would continue to monitor the implementation of the outstanding provisions and urged all parties to work towards a lasting resolution.
