Akwa Ibom tertiary institutions shut down over non implementation of federal laws
The serene academic atmosphere of government owned tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State has been disrupted as workers began an indefinite strike action to protest non-implementation of the 65-year retirement age policy for non-teaching staff, a federal government law.
In a letter sent to Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and obtained by our correspondent, the Council of Unions expressed dismay over the disparity in implementation of the policy in the state, stating that it constituted a grave injustice against their members.
The unions alleged that the disparity was a breach of the Retirement Age of Staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Harmonization) Act 2012 and called for immediate resolution.
As we report, academic activities at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, College of Education, Afaha Nsit, and Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim, have been suspended indefinitely.
The letter signed by the President of the Council of Unions, Sir Comrade Micheal Udo Okonnyang KCW and representatives of non- academic unions in all the state owned institutions stated that “ for the avoidance of doubt, the controversy that arose from this policy that could have hindered the implementation of this policy was finally resolved vide a letter number: NASS/S/Col/014/24/VOL.1 of 23rd September 2014 under the caption: Retirement Age of staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Harmonization) Act 2012. Section 2 of the above stated document states inter alia “A Law or rule requiring a person to retire from the public service after serving 35 years shall not apply to staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education”. This means that no category or cadre of staff shall be affected by any other retirement law or rule in Nigeria”
The Union also accused government officials of ignoring their pleas despite sending several letters on the subject matter, apparently meaning that the Commissioner for Education and Head of Service has been sleeping on their desk. They also said that it is worrisome that Akwa Ibom State is among the three states in the federation yet to implement this federal law of 65 years for retirement for non-academic workers.
