Israel Umoh
Following failure of Akwa Ibom government to implement their demands, teachers in public secondary and primary schools in the state are resuming industrial action from April 25.
A notice dated April 20, 2023 and signed by Comrade Sam Umo-Inyang, Senior Assistant Secretary General of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State wing, was sent to the Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Board, State Secondary Education Board and State Technical Education Board for compliance.
This was as the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, through her representative, had directed resumption of schools for the third term school session on Tuesday, April 25.
Read also: Akwa Ibom Teachers Suspend Three-day Strike
The teachers under the aegis of NUT had commenced strike action on Tuesday, March, 15, 2022 midnight, but called off the action on March 18, 2022 over what the union termed as ”sequel to agreement reached between state government and leadership of the union.”
However, the union has again called out its members to proceed on the industrial action pending full implementation of their demands by the government.
‘‘I am directed to inform you that State Wing of the Council of NUT, which comprises representatives of teachers from the 31 local government areas of the state, has approved resumption of the strike which was initiated in March 2022, but was suspended due to personal intervention of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the state- Mr. Udom Emmanuel. The strike action takes effect from April 25, 2023.
‘‘The resumption of the industrial action is consequent upon Government’s refusal to implement the agreements reached with Nigeria Union of Teachers on the outstanding indebtedness due teachers in the state despite persistent appeals from NUT and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),’’ the statement stated.
Among the demands by the union include refund of 7.5 per cent contributory pension scheme to primary and some secondary school teachers in the state, non-release of years 2021 and 2022 promotion letters to deserving secondary school teachers, non- payment of 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2021 leave grants to primary school teachers.
Others are non-payment of promotion of years- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 to primary school teachers, and non- promotion of deserving primary school teachers from salary Grade Level 14 to 15 and from Grade Level 15 to 16 for over nine years.
The notice was copied to the Commissioners for Education and Labour and Manpower Planning.
In a telephone interview with Straightnews on Monday, April 24, the state NUT Chairman, Comrade Edet Emenyi, confirmed the action, saying that the union has mobilised members from the 31 local government areas for the strike.
‘‘I have a meeting with the Head of Service today. We may equally meet with the Governor to resolve the issues. As I am speaking, our members must proceed on the action. We cannot call it off immediately. The time is short. We have to ensure all our demands are met and a circular to that effect is issued to delay in implementation as it was done before,’’ he told Straightnews online.
