Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the formation of a committee to assess the implementation of the new minimum wage at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO).

The decision follows a series of consultations involving the state government, the institution’s management, and labour unions aimed at harmonising staff salary structures. In a move to ease the burden on workers, the governor also approved the payment of three months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to the institution’s staff.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the initiative is designed to address persistent irregularities in salary payments and ensure proper compliance with the national minimum wage policy.

The review committee will be led by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire, with other members including Dr. Wunmi Ilawole, Olaleye Phillips, Mr. Asonja Festus, and Abiodun Ogunduboye.

The committee has been tasked with working closely with the polytechnic’s management, staff unions, and relevant government agencies to examine payroll records, identify discrepancies, and propose a sustainable salary structure that reflects both the new wage standard and the institution’s financial capacity.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that settling the salary arrears would bring immediate relief to both academic and non-academic staff who have experienced delays in their pay.

Also speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasised that resolving the wage issues is crucial for restoring stability and boosting staff morale within the institution. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair and equitable wage implementation.

Meanwhile, the governor has confirmed the appointment of Simeon Adegun as the substantive rector of the polytechnic, having previously served in an acting capacity since October 2024.