The workers ’ unions of The Polytechnic, Ibadan , have started an indefinite strike to press for the implementation of the new national minimum wage introduced by the Federal Government in 2019 .

The unions, which comprise of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics and the Non – Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics announced the industrial action after a joint congress held .

As of the time of filing this report , students were seen milling around at the main entrance of the institution with the hope that the school ’ s gate would be opened .

The academic activities of the institution after the Christmas break was scheduled to resume on Monday with the start of first semester examinations for the 2019 /2020 session but was disrupted by the protest by the unions.

The SSANIP Chairman , The Polytechnic, Ibadan , Mr Biodun Abegunde , told journalists that the unions were forced to embark on industrial action because the matter was beyond the school ’ s management and needs to be addressed urgently .

Abegunde had said the unions were demanding the implementation of the new minimum wage and the removal of a consultant in charge of the school finances to give room to financial autonomy for the institution .

“ The unions are agitating the implementation of the minimum wage and the removal of a consultant who has been handling and managing the financial affairs of the institution .

“ This is a move towards financial autonomy. So the unions are clamouring for removal of the consultant so that due process can be maintained by the institution .

Punch