ASUP Decries Neglect, Poor Funding of Polytechnics in Ogun State

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in Ogun State has raised concerns over the poor funding and neglect of polytechnics across the state.

During a press conference at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUP Zone C, Comrade Nurudeen Masopa, criticized the Ogun State Government for failing to increase the N5 million monthly subvention allocated to polytechnics for the past 15 years, despite rising economic challenges.

Masopa further expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage approved by Governor Dapo Abiodun. Two months after its announcement, polytechnic staff in the state are yet to benefit from the wage increment.

Highlighting the struggles of state-owned polytechnics, including MAPOLY, Ogun State Institute of Technology (Igbesa), Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (Ijebu Igbo), D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic (Itori), Ogun State ICT Polytechnic (Saapade), and Ogun State Polytechnic of Allied Health and Sciences, Masopa noted that many institutions would be in worse condition if not for periodic interventions from TETFUND.

“Inadequate funding has severely hindered the progress of polytechnic education in Ogun State,” said Comrade Masopa.

He emphasized that it is the constitutional responsibility of proprietors to fund tertiary institutions adequately. However, state-owned polytechnics in Ogun rely on a subvention of only N5 million monthly, which he described as grossly insufficient to meet current economic demands.

Masopa also criticized the government for failing to implement a 25%/35% salary increment approved by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for staff in state polytechnics. He added that arrears from January 2023 remain unpaid, further compounding the financial difficulties faced by polytechnic workers.

ASUP called on the Ogun State Government to address these challenges to ensure the proper functioning and development of polytechnics in the state.