The joint unions of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen—comprising the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP)—have expressed their deep concern over the four months of salary arrears owed to workers of the institution.
Salary Delays
In a press conference held in Benin City, Dr. Akhere Ekhomun, Chairman of ASUP, revealed that the last salary received by staff was for May 2024, which was only disbursed in September. This delay has created significant distress among the workforce, who are also not benefiting from the new minimum wage increase of N70,000 being implemented for core civil service employees in the state.
Abandonment of Salary Schemes
Ekhomun highlighted the abandonment of the special salary scheme designed to incentivize academic professionals, stating that they are among the least-paid workers in Edo State. He noted that while the Edo State government provided a 13th-month salary to all workers towards the end of 2023, Edo State Polytechnic has not experienced any upward wage review. Furthermore, he pointed out that Usen Polytechnic is the only state government-owned establishment in the region not benefiting from pension schemes.
Appeal to the Governor
Ekhomun emphasized that the press briefing was not meant to tarnish the image of the current Edo State government but to appeal to Governor Godwin Obaseki to address the workers’ grievances. He stated, “The catalogue of welfare issues afflicting the staff of the institution are significant enough to demotivate them. We will appreciate it if Governor Obaseki can use his good office to resolve these raised welfare issues as a parting gift before exiting as Chief Executive of Edo State.”
The unions’ plea underscores the pressing need for the state government to prioritize the welfare of its educational workforce, ensuring timely payment of salaries and addressing their broader welfare concerns.