‘Underfunding, bane to poly education’

The chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) of the Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igbo-Ora (OYSCAI), Mr. Adedotun Ogundeji has identified underfunding as a major cause of crisis in polytechnic education in the country.

He made the observation at the zonal meeting of the association, organised to expose members to the ideal and dynamics of labour unionism with a view to preventing recurrence of industrial actions on polytechnic campuses.

Appealing for understanding and support between managements of various institutions and unions in expanding the educational infrastructure and improving the internally generated revenue capacity, Ogundeji stressed that such measure would enhance the performance and help in sustaining development in various institutions.

He explained that SSANIP had from time to time organised seminars and training programmes for members to make them understand the issue and perspectives in labour unionism, public services rules and extant regulations and its application, Ogundeji, however, appreciated the Provost of the College for prioritising staff welfare.

He attributed the labour harmony enjoyed on the campus since the various unions were inaugurated to the cordial relationship between the management and the union.

In his keynote address, the Provost of the college, Professor Jacob Adewale, represented by his deputy, said that the meeting was essential for the success of trade unionism in higher institutions of learning, affirming that “without deliberations, consultations, exchange of ideas and information, it may be difficult to reach consensus and agreements on issues.

“There is bound to be communication gap and breach of trust, when the leaders fail to hold meeting or allow meaningful deliberations on issues of interest to the workers.”

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