Editor Ayomiposi Akinrimisi
There was heightened tension at the main gate of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as police officers were stationed at the entrance amid the ongoing peaceful protest by staff members of the institution.
The protest, organised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), RUGIPO Branch, entered its third day with staff questioning the presence of security personnel at the gate. Following the development, union members were directed to the Rector’s office for an engagement with the institution’s management.
Speaking with journalists during the protest, the Chairman of SSANIP, RUGIPO Branch, Comrade Saka Olugundoye Nurudeen, alleged that some staff members were harassed despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration. He said the union sought clarification from the Rector on who authorised the deployment of police officers to the campus.
According to him, the union reiterated that the protest remains lawful and non-violent. He added that the meeting with the Rector provided an opportunity for staff to formally present their grievances and request that their demands be forwarded to the Ondo State Government. He stressed that the protest would continue until their welfare concerns are addressed.
Comrade Olugundoye emphasized that the institution is not on strike, explaining that the action is strictly a five-day peaceful protest. He also assured students and members of the public that the matriculation ceremony scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, would hold as planned, noting that the protest would not disrupt the event.
As of the time of filing this report, discussions between staff representatives and the institution’s management were ongoing.
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