By Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of The Polytechnic Ibadan have kicked against augmentation of salaries of staff with over N1billion from the institution’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) annually.
The three unions also appealed to the Oyo State Government to take immediate and decisive action to address critical issues relating to staff welfare.
The position was made known in a statement issued by ASUP chairman, Dr Kola Lawal; SSANIP chairman, Mr Abiodun Abegunde; and NASU chairman, Mr Kareem Adegoke, after a joint congress of the unions, which was held on the campus of the institution.
Members of the unions posited that the welfare of staff, sustainability of operational processes, and the overall harmony within the institution are at stake.
The statement reads in part: “The congress acknowledged and appreciated the management for the timely disbursement of salaries, as mandated by the state governor. Nevertheless, several persistent issues were highlighted which, if not promptly addressed, could disrupt the institution’s industrial harmony.
“The congress voiced strong opposition to the practice of augmenting salaries from internally generated revenue (IGR). It was revealed that approximately N85 million is diverted monthly for this purpose, culminating in about N1 billion annually.
“It was resolved that the Oyo State Government must provide full subvention to end salary augmentation, thus restoring the institution’s capacity to meet its critical operational needs.
The congress critically reviewed the role of the consultant, appointed to oversee revenue practices in higher institutions. It added that the consultant retains 10 per cent of all IGR, and described it as exploitative and unnecessary.
“Moreover, the consultant’s involvement appears discriminatory, as universities such as LAUTECH and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, as well as the recently upgraded Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, are exempted from such oversight.
“This inequity has hindered The Polytechnic, Ibadan’s faculties from conducting annual academic conferences for the past three years. The congress resolved that the institution must be immediately exempted from the consultant’s oversight to ensure equitable treatment and operational efficiency.
“The congress expressed profound disappointment at the lack of action regarding the implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increment, which has already been effected at LAUTECH since February 2024. This disparity is particularly troubling as federal institutions have also begun this implementation, with arrears paid from January 2024.
“It was resolved that the management must expedite the implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increment and pay arrears dating back to January 2024 without further delay.
“The congress also highlighted the delay in issuing 2023 promotion letters to senior staff, citing the absence of an inaugurated governing council as an unacceptable excuse. It was resolved that the government must either establish the governing council immediately or authorise the Commissioner for Education to approve the promotions, in line with practices at federal polytechnics.”