27/05/2025
NANS JCC ONDO COMMENDS GOV. AIYEDATIWA FOR SWIFT INTERVENTION IN RUFUS GIWA POLYTECHNIC CRISIS, ADVOCATES INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ACADEMIC GROWTH
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo Axis, has commended the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his prompt and responsible intervention in the ongoing internal crisis at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).
The commendation was made during a crucial meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Akure, initiated and led by the Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo, Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua (popularly known as JOSH). Following the Governor’s directive to assess the situation on ground at RUGIPO, Comrade JOSH personally visited the institution and brought together key student representatives as requested. Acting on this instruction, he led the Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership—headed by President Comrade Thompson Shane Aigbodion—to engage with the Governor in an official capacity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had recently approved the payment of three (3) out of six (6) months of salary arrears owed to the staff by the past administration. He also approved the long-overdue Convocation Ceremony of RUGIPO—an event that had been stalled for a decade. These actions demonstrate the Governor’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the academic and social relevance of the institution.
The Governor further reassured the delegation that infrastructural development, particularly the renovation of the deplorable state of students’ hostels, would soon be addressed in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
During the meeting, Comrade JOSH appreciated the Governor for his responsive leadership and consistent prioritization of students’ welfare in Ondo State. He acknowledged the Governor's support for educational programs such as the recent inauguration of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) Global Leadership and the O’dirorun Students’ Easter Retreat—an inclusive student engagement initiative that brought together student leaders and Students’ Union Government Presidents of all the institutions in the state, as well as the indigenous Presidents of various associations, showing inclusiveness in his "Our Ease" administration. Comrade JOSH also expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), RUGIPO Chapter, over unpaid salary arrears and unresolved management issues. He lamented the adverse effects of the strike on Nigerian students, who are currently stranded and deprived of their academic progress. He passionately urged the People’s Governor to swiftly intervene and ensure that academic activities resume promptly, allowing students to return to their normal academic routines and maintain the standard of education.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa clarified that while his administration had settled three months of the inherited salary debt, challenges remain regarding the outstanding arrears, some of which date back to 2017. He explained that in 2017, the national minimum wage was ₦18,000, whereas it now stands increased today. This difference in wage structure makes it financially impractical to settle the old debts using the current salary framework without proper reconciliation. The Governor noted that he had asked the institutional management and union leaders to return with a harmonized proposal on how the remaining arrears should be treated, but unfortunately, no feedback has been received from them so far.
He assured the students that he remains committed to finding a sustainable solution and announced plans to set up a mini-committee to address the management and labour-related issues causing the strike. Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the unrelenting efforts of his Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Hon. Kevin Solomon Olaolu (KSO), for his proactive engagement and prioritization of student-related matters.
While acknowledging the presence and leadership of Comrade JOSH, the Governor remarked that it is not a small feat to command the respect and the attention of students whom one neither feeds nor sponsor academically, noting the Chairman’s composure, initiative, and courage. He also appreciated the SUG President for his calmness and leadership, promising a swift resolution to the concerns raised.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Comrade Thompson Shane thanked the Governor for the audience and intervention, stressing the urgency of addressing the industrial action, as many students are now stranded without academic direction. He appealed for the quick implementation of the committee so that academic activities can resume without further delay.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Protocol to the Governor, Mr. Abayomi Olasanya; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Amb. Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore; the SSA on Student Affairs, Hon. Kevin Solomon Olaolu (KSO); members of the NANS JCC delegation; and executive members of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Students’ Union Government.
Chief Comrade Feyijimi Stephen Salau,
Chief Press Secretary to the NANS JCC Ondo Chairman
27th May, 2025
