Akwa Ibom Tertiary Institutions’ Unions Threaten Strike Over Government’s Reluctance to Implement Salary, Allowance Review
The Joint Council of Unions (JCU) in Akwa Ibom State owned tertiary institutions has issued a stern warning that it will embark on an indefinite strike if the State Government fails to meet its demands by Friday, October 31, 2025.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of congresses held across the state’s tertiary institutions between Thursday, 16th and Monday, 20th October 2025. The meetings took place at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua; College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim; Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden; and College of Education, Afaha Nsit.
The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Council of Unions (JCU), expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the government’s “continued reluctance” to implement the agreed salary and allowance structures for staff in the state’s tertiary institutions.
According to the communiqué signed by Comrade Etukikpong Bassey JP, Chairman (Protem), and Comrade C. I. T. P. Mefiok Umanah MNCS, HCPN, Secretary (Protem), the unions’ demands include:
Implementation of the 35% and 25% 2023 reviewed consolidated salary structure for academic and non-academic staff;
Payment of ₦30,000 and ₦15,000 hazard allowances for senior and junior staff respectively;
Redress of discriminatory payment of peculiar allowances affecting staff of the state’s polytechnic, college of education, and college of science and technology; and
Payment of domestic servant allowances to academic staff of Akwa Ibom State University.
The communiqué noted that despite repeated engagements since February 2025, no meaningful progress had been achieved.
“Congress observed with indignation the continued reluctance of the Government to implement the demands of the JCU,” the statement read.
“Up till the meeting of October 9, 2025, no concrete or fruitful results have been established, further exacerbating the already debilitated economic condition of our members,” the unions added.
The Council expressed frustration that while several other state governments have already implemented similar salary reviews and allowances, Akwa Ibom workers in tertiary institutions continue to face hardship.
“It is disheartening that while other states have long implemented these policies, our members are left behind. We can no longer continue in silence while our welfare is neglected,” a union leader at the meeting was quoted as saying.
The JCU, however, stated that it remains open to dialogue, urging the government to act swiftly to avert a total shutdown of academic activities.
“If the Government fails to conclude the negotiation and implement our demands on or before Friday, 31st October, 2025, Congress shall be left with no option than to proceed on a strike action without further notice,” the communiqué warned.
The communique was endorsed by the leadership of the Joint Council representing staff across all four state-owned tertiary institutions.
