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.