The management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo has appealed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic(ASUP) to call off its strike.

ASUP, on June 9, withdrew their services over the non-payment of 13 months’ unpaid salaries.

The rector of the school, Gani Ogundahunsi, made the plea in Akure.

He urged ASUP to resume duties to enable the students to participate in the first semester exams earlier scheduled for June 13. Mr Ogundahunsi said the management met with ASUP, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP) on the subject matter.

“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 to return to class for their examinations,” said Mr Ogundahunsi.

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 fuel price has added to the hardship their members were experiencing, calling on the institution’s management and the state government to pay their outstanding salaries without delay.

“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,” the communiqué explained. 

It added, “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.”

(NAN)