BY KADELU OLUWOLE
Poly’Ibadan SUG President Writes Governor Seyi Makinde Over Ongoing Strike , seeks exam continuation
Student Union Government (SUG) President of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide Daniel, has written an open letter to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, pleading for urgent intervention in the ongoing indefinite strike declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Oyo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions.
In the letter, titled “Plea to His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde”, the student leader expressed the frustration and anxiety of thousands of students whose academic activities have been put on hold due to the industrial action. He highlighted the severe impact of the strike, particularly on students who were in the middle of their examinations before the disruption.
“We are frustrated and deeply worried about the situation. We acknowledge the right of our lecturers and school workers to demand their requests to be attained, but we, the students, are the ones suffering the most from this impasse,” the letter read.
According to Comrade Oladipupo, the ongoing strike has compounded the challenges students have already faced in recent years due to previous academic disruptions. He noted that many students have spent more time in school than expected, and another indefinite halt only worsens their plight.
The SUG President appealed to Governor Makinde to take swift action by engaging with the striking unions to find a lasting resolution.
“Your Excellency, we are the leaders of tomorrow, but how can we prepare for that future when our education is constantly interrupted? Education is the foundation of progress, and a disruption like this only sets us back,” he stated.
He further emphasized that prolonged strikes do not only affect students academically but also hinder their personal and professional growth.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, like other state-owned tertiary institutions, has been affected by the JAC-led industrial action, which was declared in response to grievances over workers’ welfare and other demands.
Students have since been left in limbo, unsure of when they will be able to resume their examinations and continue their academic journey.
The letter concluded with a plea for immediate government intervention:
“Please let us return to our classrooms to continue our exams. We trust in your commitment to education and youth development, and we hope that this matter will receive your immediate attention so that our academic journey can continue smoothly.”
As of now, the Oyo State Government has yet to issue an official response to the letter. However, students and stakeholders await Governor Makinde’s reaction, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the strike and restore normal academic activities.
Governor sir. Please do something we are frustrated. Fasting and be writing exam is one problem talkless of indefinite strike