AKURE: Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic may finally see relief after months of salary concerns as the Ondo State Government moves to address lingering wage issues at the institution.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the creation of a special committee to review how the new national minimum wage is being implemented at the Polytechnic. The move comes as * Aiyedatiwa clears salary arrears owed to workers at the school.
Immediate Relief: Three Months Salaries Paid
The decision comes alongside another major step by the State Government — the payment of three months of outstanding salary arrears owed to workers at the school. Officials say the immediate payment is expected to ease the financial strain on both academic and non-academic staff who had been affected by delayed payments.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the move followed a series of discussions between the State Government, the institution’s management, and labour unions aimed at resolving disputes over staff salary structures and payment schedules.
Committee To Audit Minimum Wage Implementation
The Government said the committee was set up to address recurring discrepancies in salary payments and ensure that the Polytechnic fully complies with the national minimum wage framework. This is why Aiyedatiwa clears salary arrears while also setting up a long-term fix.
The panel will be led by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire. Other members include Wunmi Ilawole, Olaleye Phillips, Asonja Festus, and Abiodun Ogunduboye.
According to the Government, the committee will work closely with the Polytechnic’s management, labour unions, and relevant state agencies. Their mandate is to audit the institution’s payroll records, identify gaps in wage implementation, and recommend a sustainable salary structure that aligns with the new minimum wage and the school’s financial capacity.
Education Commissioner: Stability Is Critical
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, said resolving the salary issue is critical to restoring stability at the institution. He noted that addressing the wage concerns would help rebuild confidence among staff and improve the overall working environment within the Polytechnic.
Ajibefun also emphasised that the State Government remains committed to ensuring that workers are treated fairly in the implementation of wage policies. For context, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic has faced repeated salary delays in recent years, sparking protests from staff unions.
Aiyedatiwa Confirms New Rector
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has confirmed the appointment of Simeon Adegun as the substantive Rector of the institution. Adegun had been serving in an acting capacity since October 2024, before his appointment was formally ratified by the State Government.
As a result, the institution now has both financial relief and leadership stability. Stakeholders say the twin moves — payment of arrears and Rector confirmation — could calm tension on campus after months of uncertainty.
Furthermore, the committee’s report is expected to guide future wage payments and prevent a repeat of the backlog that forced staff to agitate. The State Government has not given a deadline for the committee’s work, but officials say recommendations will be implemented once submitted.
