The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of labour unions in Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions has given the state government until October 28, 2026, to settle outstanding salary arrears, implement staff allowances and address shortages of personnel and funding.
The unions issued the 14-day ultimatum on October 8 after a meeting at Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki. Their demands include payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases for January to December 2024. As well as full implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for non-teaching employees.
The committee also urged the government and institutional governing councils to tackle staff shortages and provide adequate funding to improve working conditions and institutional operations.
JAC Chairman, Dr Kola Lawal, and Secretary, Comrade Akeem Fatai, signed the statement outlining the demands.
The ultimatum covers five institutions: The Polytechnic, Ibadan; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; and Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate.
As of today, October 21, no formal settlement had been reported in the information available, leaving the dispute unresolved ahead of the deadline.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the institutions’ governing councils could play key roles in negotiations, particularly on the outstanding payments and funding arrangements.
Previous labour disputes involving Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions have triggered industrial action, raising concerns about possible disruption if the current disagreement persists.
Meanwhile, JAC may declare an indefinite strike across the five affected institutions if the Oyo State Government fails to address its demands before the October 28 deadline. Such action could disrupt academic and administrative activities at the institutions.
Notably, the committee has yet to formally announce a strike, leaving room for negotiations to avert an industrial crisis.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
