Some academic and non-academic staff of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, have raised alarm over unpaid salaries.
The affected workers said they are owed up to 10 months’ wages.
Appointments Without Pay
According to the staff, the Ondo State Government recruited them in February and March 2025. They were employed into various academic and non-academic roles at UNIMED.
However, they alleged that no salary has been paid since resumption.
Meanwhile, the workers said they formally assumed duty after receiving appointment letters. They added that they have continued working despite the non-payment.
Several appeals to relevant authorities reportedly yielded no result.
One affected staff member, who requested anonymity, explained their ordeal. He appealed directly to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for urgent intervention.
He said, “We are suffering. We have not been paid our salaries since we got the appointments in March last year. Some of us were given appointment letters in February, while some got theirs in March, but none of us has been paid.
“That is why we are appealing to Governor Aiyedatiwa to assist us in this matter. We are officially employed, we were assigned duties, and we have been doing our work since then, but there has been no payment.”
Staff Blame Internal Leadership Crisis
In addition, another affected staff member blamed internal leadership disputes at the university. The staff described the situation as a fallout of a prolonged administrative crisis.
He said, “We are suffering because we are victims of an internal crisis between two vice-chancellors of the university. We have taken the matter to the government, but up till now nothing is being done.
“Our appointments followed due process. We were given staff email addresses and assigned duty roles without payment. Our data were even captured in the recent Ondo State staff audit. I believe the governor’s intervention would address our matter.”
Furthermore, the staff insisted their employment was legitimate and properly documented. They noted that inclusion in the state audit confirmed their official status.
Government Confirms, Promises Resolution
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has acknowledged the situation.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, confirmed the development. He said the issue was already receiving attention.
When contacted on Monday, Ajibefun assured that the matter had been resolved administratively. He also promised that payment would commence soon.
He stated, “We are already making efforts to address the matter, and I want to assure you that very soon it will be addressed.”
Notably, UNIMED has faced recurring administrative transitions in recent years. Education sector observers say such transitions often delay payroll regularisation. They argue that timely intervention is necessary to protect staff welfare and morale.
For now, the affected workers say they remain hopeful. They believe swift action by the governor will finally end their ordeal.