300 Okopoly Staff Employed for Two Years Without Pay Seek FG Intervention

More than 300 staff members at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, who have been employed since 2023 but remain unpaid and unpayrolled, have appealed to the federal government to intervene in their situation.

In an unsigned press release shared with NIGERIA NEWS 247, the affected employees—who chose to remain anonymous—expressed frustration over not receiving salaries despite having appointment letters and being assigned to various duty posts.

The release stated, “Despite receiving appointment letters and being posted, we have not been paid for over two years. We come from almost all tribes in Nigeria, and the hardship under current economic conditions is overwhelming. We call on the Federal Government, Ministry of Education, and National Assembly to intervene as the polytechnic’s management appears to be selectively payrolling some staff while ignoring others.”

The staff questioned the criteria behind payroll inclusion and confirmation, suspecting favoritism and discrimination. They also raised concerns about the authenticity of some appointment letters and why new recruits seem to be prioritized over existing employees.

In response, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, denied any selective confirmation or payrolling. He explained that the issue stems from an irregular recruitment exercise in 2023 under the previous administration led by Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo.

“The Federal Government approved the recruitment of 136 staff, but the former administration recruited beyond this quota. Only those within the approved number were registered on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and have been paid,” he said.

Ibeziako emphasized that salary payments are managed through IPPIS, a government-controlled platform, and that the current management is committed to transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process.

He concluded, “While we empathize with those affected by past irregularities, our administration will work with relevant authorities to find sustainable solutions within legal frameworks and maintain the integrity of Federal Polytechnic, Oko.”