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Students attack lecturers with sachet water amid crisis
Tensions have escalated at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic as striking lecturers and students clash amid an ongoing dispute over wages and union rights.
Lecturers at the Ondo State–owned institution are currently on strike, protesting the state government’s failure to implement the approved national minimum wage. The workers have also rejected what they describe as an unlawful suspension of their union activities and leadership.
During the standoff, a video surfaced showing some students throwing sachets of water at lecturers who had gathered for a congress meeting last Tuesday, highlighting the growing unrest on campus.
In response to the strike, the Ondo State Government, through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, directed the lecturers to immediately resume their academic and administrative duties. The government warned that those who fail to comply could face salary withholding under a “no work, no pay” policy.
However, the institution’s joint workforce strongly criticized the government’s actions, describing them as illegal and a violation of democratic principles, the rule of law, and workers’ fundamental rights as protected by Nigeria’s constitution and labour laws.
In a statement, the unions emphasized that trade unions are legally recognized under the Trade Unions Act and cannot be arbitrarily suspended or dissolved without due legal process. They maintained that their demand for the implementation of the minimum wage is both lawful and justified, not an act of misconduct.
The unions further argued that the government’s approach risks worsening tensions instead of fostering industrial harmony. They called for the immediate reversal of the suspension and urged the state government to return to dialogue and negotiations.
Reaffirming their stance, the workers pledged to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing legal avenues to challenge the government’s actions. They also appealed to labour leaders, civil society groups, and the public to intervene and support a fair resolution to the crisis.
The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.
Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.
He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.
“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
“The Governor rose to the occasion and provided lasting solutions: all temporary staff were granted permanent appointments, and all outstanding allowances owed to permanent staff, amounting to over Three Billion Naira (₦3billion) only, were fully paid. Retired staff of the defunct College and next-of-kin of deceased staff also benefited from this payment.”
He equally confirmed that “Within the last three years, the University has enjoyed tremendous support from TETFund, Owa Obokun, Oba Clement Haastrup, the Ijesa Community, among others. You will see the various projects funded or donated by them during your guided tour of the campus.”
Speaking about the accommodation for students, he said TETFund released over N750million for the school, while about N2 billion has been made available for the construction of hostels.
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