Academic activities at state owned universities in Ondo State have ground to a halt as lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the non-payment of their salaries, causing widespread concern among students and parents.
The industrial action, which began earlier this week, was announced by the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ondo Zone, following what they described as “months of unfulfilled promises” by the state government to clear outstanding salary arrears and improve the working conditions of academic staff.
Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Bamidele Ojo, said lecturers across Ondo State’s tertiary institutions have been forced to take this “painful decision” after enduring over five months without pay.
“We cannot continue to teach on empty stomachs. Our members have been pushed to the wall. This is not just about money it’s about dignity, professionalism, and respect for the academic community,” Ojo stated.
He accused the Ondo State Government of reneging on earlier agreements to settle owed wages, blaming the state’s “lack of political will” and “consistent neglect” of the education sector.
Students across institutions such as Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), expressed frustration over the abrupt halt in lectures, with many fearing a disruption to their academic calendar.
Miss Grace Olowokere, a 300-level student at AAUA, lamented:
“This strike is heartbreaking. We were just beginning exams when the notice came. Now everything is on hold again.”
In response, a senior official in the Ondo State Ministry of Education, who declined to be named, told The Guardian that the government was “working around the clock” to resolve the impasse, blaming recent economic challenges for the delay in salary disbursement.
“We appeal for calm. Discussions are ongoing, and we are hopeful of reaching a resolution soon,” the official said.
However, ASUU members insist the strike will continue until all outstanding salaries are paid and a concrete commitment is made to prevent future delays.
The current standoff adds to the growing tension in Nigeria’s education sector, already plagued by underfunding, infrastructural decay, and frequent industrial actions.
As the strike enters its early days, stakeholders are urging the state government to act swiftly to prevent a prolonged crisis that could derail the academic future of thousands of students.
source: independent.ng
