Staff unions in Ondo State's tertiary institutions have suspended their one-month industrial action. The strike, which began on September 2, 2026, was due to non-implementation of agreed Federal Government-unions wage structures, unpaid allowances, and unresolved staff welfare issues. The decision to suspend the strike was made after an intervention by the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The unions, comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, the Non-Academic Staff Union, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, are affiliated with Adekunle Ajasin University, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, and the University of Medical Sciences.
The Chairman and Secretary of the Joint Action Committee of the Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions, Tayo Ogungbeni and Kunle Akinwonmi, announced the suspension of the strike in a statement. They expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, for their roles in resolving the crisis. The unions also appreciated the general public, particularly members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, for their support.
The strike affected Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. The workers are members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, the Non-Academic Staff Union, and the National Association of Academic Technologists. The unions had embarked on the industrial action to press for the implementation of agreed wage structures and address staff welfare issues.
The statement by the Joint Action Committee urged the management of the affected universities to address the non-financial aspects of the FGN/Unions Agreement without delay. This, the unions noted, would prevent another strike in the institutions. The unions directed their members to resume duties on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's intervention played a crucial role in resolving the crisis. The governor's efforts, along with those of other stakeholders, helped to address the concerns of the striking workers. The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to students and staff of the affected institutions.
The industrial action had been in place for one month, causing disruptions in academic activities. The strike's suspension will enable students to resume their studies and academic activities to continue. The institutions had been affected by the strike, which impacted their operations.
The unions have appealed to the management of the institutions to take immediate action to address the outstanding issues. This includes implementing the agreed wage structures and addressing staff welfare concerns. The suspension of the strike demonstrates the effectiveness of dialogue and intervention in resolving industrial disputes.
Key points
- The strike by staff unions in Ondo State's tertiary institutions has been suspended following an intervention by the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
- The strike, which began on September 2, 2026, was due to non-implementation of agreed Federal Government-unions wage structures and unpaid allowances.
- The unions have directed their members to resume duties on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
