The teaching and the non-academic Unions of the Polytechnic Ibadan have faulted a memorandum of understanding on new national minimum wage signed between the Oyo State Government and the Joint Action Committee of Oyo State tertiary institutions.
Reacting to the MOU signed on January 13, 2021 at the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s conference room, a leader of the Ibadan Poly workers unions described the move as childish and unlawful.
He accused Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Barr. Olasunkami Olaleye for allowing the state government to commit a constitutional blunder. According to him, “the MOU signing is unlawful and championed by the commissioner who is expected to understand what law says about who to oversee negotiations and approval of workers’ salaries”.
Barr. Olasunkammi while signing the MOU on new minimum wage, said that the move was a confirmation of Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to workers welfare. He noted that Oyo Stare is the second state to achieve implementation of the new national minimum wage.
According to him, the agreement is in line with the National Salary and Wages Commission and the payment will take effect from January 2020.
The Oyo State JAC Chairman, Comrade Segun Oyewumi, appreciated Engr. Makinde for allowing the committee to negotiate with union leaders. He expressed his optimism that Oyo State Government would honour the review of the agreement for the next 6months.
In attendance at the signing of the MOU were the Governing Council Chairman of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Adekunle Akinyemi and representatives from Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic – Eruwa; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic – Saki; The Polytechnic Ibadan; College of Education, Lanlate and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education.
