Rufus Giwa Polytechnic lecturers begin indefinite strike

Lecturers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo state embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday.

The lecturers are protesting the state government’s alleged refusal to pay N2.1 billion subvention to the institution and the deplorable learning facilities in the school.

Rafiu Ijawoye, chairman of the school’s chapter of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), during a press briefing in Akure, said: “A situation where students have to remain on their feet during lectures is deplorable.

“As a matter of fact, the situation becomes more worrisome during the examinations when students virtually sit on themselves.

“A seat that shouldn’t take more than three persons during examination is forced to take, at times, eight to nine persons. Exams. In RUGIPO can best be described as theatre of absurdity and negation of necessary ethics.

“Whilst we are optimistic that the government of Arakunrin will bring positive change to the polytechnic as against past deprivation, the character of the state government presently remains as it were contrary to our expectations.”

The union also said some of the courses of the polytechnic are at risk of losing their accreditation.

“All programmes being offered by the polytechnic are due for accreditation and are under the threat of being de-accredited due apparently to deliberate starvation of funds,” he said.

“This unfortunately, is due to palpably lackadaisical and inept attitude of the management and the insensitivity of the government towards the collective goals and aspirations of this oldest institution in Ondo state.”