Teachers in Akwa Ibom Embark on Indefinite Strike

Following the failure of the government to meet many of their demands of teachers in the state, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Akwa Ibom state chapter has decided to embark on an indefinite strike.

A statement signed by Senior State Secretary of the union, Comrade Victor Amireze has ordered all teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state to embark on the strike immediately.

Comrade Amireze noted that the decision was taken after all avenues for negotiation and amicable resolutions failed on the part of the government.

He said the government could not address the demands of the teachers after working for 21days and the subsequent 7days ultimatum given by the union to 7the government.

The union stated that the government promised to pay one year leave grant on compassionate grounds and make complete payment of one month minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers, all these were not actualized

The union’s demand include the refund of seven and half percent contributory pension to primary school teachers, payment of gratuities, harmonization of pension to retired teachers, payment of 2013 to 2021 leave grant to primary school teachers, payment of promotion arrears for 6 years from 2011 to 2017 to primary school teachers.

Others include the release of the results of 2017/2018 promotion exercise conducted by SUBEB, immediate commencement of 2019 to 2021 promotion exercise and appointment of teachers as Permanent Secretaries.

In addition, the union is requesting that the Akwa Ibom state government teachers amnesty program should be open to cover the teachers that were cut off during the last amnesty program, the promotion results of the teachers tendered in the last promotion exercise in 2020 should be released without recourse to the past Administrative Professional Officer Compulsory Examination, APOCE as this was not a requirement at the point of the interview.

However, the union appealed to parents, pupils, students and the general public to show understanding stating that the government insensitivity to the teachers plight has pushed them to this point of going on strike.