The Ondo State Government has announced the suspension of all union activities and leadership within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), following what it described as persistent defiance of directives to reopen the institution and resume academic activities.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, the government said the decision was approved by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa after observing that members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), and the Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) had failed to comply with earlier instructions.

The statement expressed “grave concern” over the unions’ continued refusal to return to work, noting that such actions had disrupted the academic calendar and undermined constituted authority within the state’s tertiary education system.

“As part of efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the smooth running of the institution, all activities of ASUP, SSANIP, and NOTSUP within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo are hereby suspended until further notice,” the statement read.

The government also announced the immediate suspension of the leadership of the three unions within the institution, barring them from all official engagements pending further administrative review.

In addition, the state directed the withholding of salaries of all union members who have not resumed duties in line with its directive. It further mandated the strict enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against any staff member who refuses to comply.

“The management of the institution is hereby directed to enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule without exception,” the statement added.

The government also ordered all affected staff to resume work immediately, warning that failure to do so would attract further disciplinary measures in accordance with public service rules and other applicable regulations.

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Governor Aiyedatiwa, according to the statement, emphasized that the measures were necessary to protect the academic integrity of the institution and ensure adherence to lawful directives.

He called on staff of the polytechnic to cooperate with the government in restoring stability and normal academic operations at the institution.

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, has in recent times been embroiled in industrial disputes involving its workforce, leading to disruptions in academic activities and growing concerns among students and stakeholders.