Despite widespread media reports claiming that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has settled the outstanding salary arrears for staff at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), recent confirmations from the staff indicate otherwise.
Weeks after the announcement, many employees of the institution have expressed disappointment and frustration over the unfulfilled promise of payment.
In a series of interviews conducted by Starnews, several staff members, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their discontent regarding the situation. “The news of payment is incorrect and misleading,” one staff member stated. “We are still waiting for our salaries, and the situation is becoming unbearable.”
The confusion stems from a report by the Ondo State-owned television station, ORSC, which claimed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved the payment of the remaining three months of salary arrears owed to RUGIPO staff. This announcement followed a recent combined convocation ceremony at the institution, raising hopes among employees that their long-standing financial woes would soon be resolved.
However, Starnews NG reports that many staff members are left disheartened after visiting the state secretariat for clarity on the matter. “We were told that the governor has not approved the payment, and we returned home feeling disappointed,” said another staff member. “The uncertainty is taking a toll on us”, he added.
The Academic Staff Union of RUGIPO has also voiced their concerns. A representative of the union expressed frustration, stating, “Some of our members are suffering from malnutrition due to the lack of pay, and it has affected their families as well. It’s disheartening to see our colleagues in such dire conditions.”
In light of the ongoing distress, a union member provided a glimmer of hope, indicating that the governor has directed the state Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, to facilitate the payment by next week. “That’s the latest development following our consistent communication with the state government,” the member noted, attempting to ease tensions among staff.
As it stands, the government is currently indebted to RUGIPO employees for three months’ worth of salaries. The reason for the delay in payments remains unclear, especially given the significant monthly allocations received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Starnews NG reports that the situation at RUGIPO underscores the urgent need for accountability and timely action from the state government to alleviate the hardships faced by its employees.
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