The Ondo State Government has reached an agreement with tertiary institution unions in the state over the implementation of a new wage structure and allowances. This agreement was made possible after a series of meetings between government officials, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and labour union leaders. The unions involved include the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, National Association of Academic Technologists, and Non-Academic Staff Union.
The agreement addresses outstanding issues relating to salary adjustments, allowances, and other welfare matters affecting workers in state-owned universities. A major resolution was the approval by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the full domestication of the Federal Government-ASUU agreement on the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure for academic staff of state-owned universities. This implementation will take into account the peculiarities of the state.
The meeting was attended by officials of the state government and the leadership of labour unions in state-owned universities. The unions had earlier embarked on a total and indefinite strike over unpaid allowances to members. The strike affected academic and non-academic staff in the three Ondo State-owned universities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described education as a cardinal priority of his administration, promising to sustain industrial harmony in the state’s tertiary institutions. He emphasized the importance of a motivated workforce in achieving academic excellence. The government’s approval of the FGN-ASUU pact aims to enable state universities to compete favourably with others.
The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, chapter of ASUU, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the FGN-ASUU agreement for state universities. The unions appreciated the governor’s commitment to the welfare of workers, especially in the education sector.
The government has assured stakeholders that it will continue to engage with them to ensure that the state’s tertiary institutions remain centres of excellence without incessant industrial action. This move is expected to bring stability and enhance the quality of education in the state.
The implementation of the new wage structure and allowances is expected to boost the morale of academic and non-academic staff in Ondo State-owned universities. The agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving the wage dispute and promoting industrial harmony in the state’s education sector.
Key points
- Governor Aiyedatiwa approves FGN-ASUU agreement for state universities
- Agreement addresses outstanding issues relating to salary adjustments and allowances
- Implementation takes into account the peculiarities of the state
