The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has protested the continued failure of the Ondo State Government to implement the new salary agreement for workers of the institution.
The position of the unions was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Orisameka Olarenwaju, Chairman, SSANU, OAUSTECH; Comrade Bobola Bamgbola, Chairman, NAAT, OAUSTECH; and Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi, Chairman, NASU, on behalf of the Joint Action Committee.
The unions expressed deep concern and disappointment over the non-implementation of the new salary structure and improved remuneration agreed for university workers, despite the agreement taking effect from January 2026.
According to the JAC, the Federal Government and relevant university-based staff unions had reached an agreement on the implementation of a new salary structure and improved remuneration for university workers with effect from January 2026.
However, the unions said that while implementation had commenced in other states, the Ondo State Government was yet to implement the agreement for staff of OAUSTECH.
The workers described the situation as particularly disturbing, alleging that Ondo State remained the only state in the South-West yet to implement the new agreement.
They said the delay had placed OAUSTECH workers at a serious disadvantage compared with their counterparts in other states, particularly within the South-West.
The JAC also raised concerns over what it described as a disparity between government pronouncements and actual implementation, particularly concerning the funding of the university.
The unions recalled that the Executive Governor of Ondo State had announced an increase in the subvention to OAUSTECH, effective from August 2026.
They said they expected the governor’s announcement to be reflected in the funds released to the university and to enable the institution to meet its financial obligations, particularly its obligations to staff.
However, the JAC alleged that OAUSTECH had continued to receive the old subvention, with no corresponding implementation of the announced increase.
The unions said the situation was further worsening the financial difficulties confronting workers who, despite the challenging economic environment, had continued to discharge their responsibilities diligently.
They pointed to the rising cost of food, transportation, accommodation and other basic necessities, saying the economic situation had placed enormous pressure on workers and their families.
The JAC maintained that an agreement reached on improved remuneration should not remain a mere announcement but must be translated into tangible benefits for workers.
Consequently, the unions demanded the immediate payment of all salary arrears accruing from January to August 2026 as a result of the non-implementation of the new agreement.
They also demanded the full implementation of the new salary agreement from September 2026 without further delay.
In addition, the JAC called for the immediate release of the increased subvention to OAUSTECH in line with the governor’s announced commitment.
According to the workers, the release of the increased funding would enable the university to meet its financial obligations to staff and support the effective running of the institution.
The unions further demanded a clear and sustainable commitment from the Ondo State Government towards regular and timely funding of OAUSTECH.
The JAC insisted that its demands were neither unreasonable nor excessive, arguing that the workers were simply asking the government to honour an agreement already reached and ensure that OAUSTECH staff were not treated differently from their colleagues across the country.
“Our demand is not unreasonable. We are only asking the government to honour an agreement that has already been reached and to ensure that staff of OAUSTECH are not treated differently from their counterparts across the country, particularly within the South-West,” the unions stated.
The JAC said it remained committed to constructive engagement and dialogue with the Ondo State Government in resolving the dispute.
However, the unions warned that continued silence and delay in addressing their grievances could compel them to intensify legitimate and peaceful industrial actions in defence of the rights and welfare of their members.
They therefore called on the state government to act promptly and decisively to resolve the matter before it escalates further.
The workers stressed that they had continued to work despite the financial difficulties confronting them and deserved to receive the remuneration due to them.
“Our members have worked; they deserve to be paid accordingly. Agreements should be honoured, and promises should translate into action,” the JAC said.
The unions urged the Ondo State Government to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves, stressing that resolving the outstanding salary and funding issues would be critical to maintaining industrial harmony, protecting staff welfare and supporting the continued development of OAUSTECH.