The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at the Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Akwa Ibom State Government, warning of a potential industrial action if their demands are not met.
According to Mefiok Umana, the Chairperson of NASU at the university, the union sent a letter to the state government on 20 December, emphasizing their intention to proceed with an industrial action if their demands are not addressed. The strike, scheduled to commence on 3 January 2024, will involve affiliate unions of the Joint Action Committee, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and the National Association of Academic Technologists.
The key issues raised by Mr. Umana include inadequate funding of the institution, non-payment of salary arrears, leave grants, and 13th-month salary to university workers. Other grievances encompass the absence of hostels, the non-constitution of the Governing Council for the university, failure to implement hazard allowances at the approved rate, and the non-release of capital allocation for the institution.
Mr. Umana highlighted the dire situation faced by the university, citing examples such as the inadequate power supply that limits research activities to two hours a day and the lack of on-campus accommodation, which poses risks to students, particularly females who are vulnerable to attacks. He also noted that most of the university’s buildings were constructed with funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), indicating a lack of infrastructural development by the state government.
Responding to inquiries, the State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, directed further questions to Idongesit Etiebet, the Commissioner for Education. However, Mrs. Etiebet requested questions to be sent via text message but did not respond to them at the time of reporting.
Source: Premium Times