A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and a frontline House of Representatives hopeful in Ondo state, Ghani Arobo, has hailed the intervention of the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over the resolution of lingering salary arrears affecting workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO)
Arobo who stated this in a statement signed by him, described the governor’s action as a timely and reform-driven step that restores confidence in public institutions.
He stated that the governor’s decisive response to the welfare concerns of staff at the state Polytechnic demonstrates not only administrative responsiveness but also a deeper commitment to rebuilding trust between government and the workforce.
He noted that the payment of outstanding entitlements, alongside the setting up of a committee to review the minimum wage structure of the institution’s staff, reflects what he called “a balanced approach to governance that combines immediate relief with long-term reform.”
According to him, many public institutions in the country continue to struggle with welfare-related challenges, and therefore, proactive steps such as this stand out as examples of leadership that prioritises stability and productivity.
“This intervention is both humane and strategic. It addresses immediate hardship while also putting in place a framework that can prevent future crises. That is the kind of governance that strengthens institutions,” Arobo stated.
He further explained that the review committee is expected to play a critical role in evaluating existing wage structures and recommending sustainable improvements that align with economic realities and workforce expectations.
Arobo stressed that improved welfare conditions remain central to productivity in the education sector, noting that lecturers and non-academic staff perform optimally when their remuneration and working conditions are stable.
He added that the intervention would likely have a ripple effect across the institution, improving morale, reducing industrial tensions, and enhancing the overall academic environment.
Beyond immediate relief, he said the development signals a broader policy direction by the state government aimed at repositioning the education sector as a key driver of development in Ondo State.
“The education system cannot thrive on uncertainty. What we are seeing is a deliberate attempt to restore order, boost morale, and ensure that our tertiary institutions function at their best capacity,” he said.
Arobo also called for sustained collaboration between the government, institutional leadership, labour unions, and other stakeholders to ensure that the reforms are properly implemented and protected from setbacks.
He urged that the momentum generated by the intervention should not be allowed to fade, but rather consolidated into lasting structural reforms that benefit both staff and students of the institution.
Reaffirming his policy outlook, Arobo pledged continued advocacy for workers’ welfare, institutional strengthening, and education reforms that promote long-term stability and development across Ondo State.
He maintained that leadership must always be measured by its responsiveness to the people’s needs, especially in critical sectors such as education.
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