The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo state, faced disruptions during its second convocation ceremony as workers, part of the Joint Action Committee of all Tertiary Institutions, protested against the Ondo State government’s failure to pay the N35,000 wage award.
Brandishing placards with messages such as “Pay us wage award” and “Wage award is our right,” the workers expressed their dissatisfaction with the non-payment of the wage award and other pending allowances.
The ongoing strike by state-owned institutions’ workers, initiated a week ago, added momentum to the demonstration.
Comrade Dayo Temola, the state Chairman of JAC at OAUSTECH, voiced frustration over the government’s alleged negligence in fulfilling their demands.
He emphasized the urgency of receiving the 2019 minimum wage, stating, “We are in 2024, yet we have not got the 2019 minimum wage; it is shameful.” Temola also called for a 100% increase in the university’s monthly subvention, citing discrepancies between promised and actual funding.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa invited the protesting workers to Akure for a dialogue, seeking resolution.
Despite the unrest, Aiyedatiwa announced a grant of N1.2 billion for OAUSTECH to complete abandoned projects and promised enhanced monthly subvention to support the institution’s operations.
In his address during the convocation ceremony, the governor acknowledged the significance of ongoing projects and granted automatic employment to the best-graduating student, Miss Adedayo Janet.
He affirmed his commitment to the development of the university and the Blue Economy.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, highlighted the university’s shift from a teaching institution to a research-focused entity, citing achievements in various research programs.
The convocation saw 1,202 students conferred with degrees, including 62 in first class, 527 in second class upper division, 552 in second class lower division, and 61 in the third class division.
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