Tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria, have reopened following the suspension of an indefinite strike by the Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions, JAC-ODSTI. The strike, which began on September 2, disrupted activities at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. The suspension brings an end to the industrial action that was sparked by unresolved issues surrounding the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the affected unions.
The decision to suspend the strike was made possible by a financial intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a statement jointly signed by the committee's chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and secretary, Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi, the unions directed all affected workers to resume work on Tuesday, September 29. The committee said the decision was taken to allow the process of resolving the outstanding issues to continue while academic and administrative activities return to the affected institutions.
JAC-ODSTI, comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his intervention, as well as the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, and the governor's Special Adviser on Special Duties and Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, for their roles in resolving the dispute.
The committee also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists and members of the public for their support during the period of the industrial action. The unions, however, warned that despite suspending the strike, the managements of the affected institutions must urgently address the non-financial aspects of the agreements that led to the dispute. Failure to resolve the outstanding issues could result in another industrial dispute.
The suspension of the strike should not be interpreted as the complete resolution of all the matters raised by the unions, but rather as a decision to create room for continued engagement and resolution of the remaining issues while workers return to their responsibilities. The resumption of academic and administrative activities is expected to restore normalcy at the three state-owned institutions after almost four weeks of disruption.
The unions maintained that the outstanding aspects of the agreements must be addressed to ensure lasting industrial peace across Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions. The affected institutions have been severely impacted by the strike, with academic and administrative activities grinding to a halt. The return of workers to their duty posts is expected to bring relief to students and staff members who were affected by the strike.
With the suspension of the strike, students and staff members of the affected institutions can now resume their academic and administrative activities. The Governor's intervention has brought an end to the industrial action, and the unions have expressed their appreciation for his role in resolving the dispute. The institutions are expected to operate smoothly, with the unions and management working together to address the outstanding issues.
Key points
- Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's financial intervention led to the suspension of the strike.
- The strike was sparked by unresolved issues surrounding the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the affected unions.
- The unions warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues could result in another industrial dispute.
