Lectures at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic were disrupted on Thursday, September 12, 2024, as the strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) intensified, with union members barricading all entry gates to the institution. The aggrieved staff are demanding the implementation of the 65-year retirement age, similar to what is already granted to academic staff.
Students and lecturers arriving for early morning lectures were left stranded as union members blocked access to the campus, holding banners that called on the state government to intervene in the situation. One of the banners read, “Please come and salvage the situation by directing the implementation of the 65 years retirement age.”
The situation was eventually brought under control by the Polytechnic’s chief security officer, who ordered the gates to be opened. However, the issues raised by the union remain unresolved, and the strike has now entered its second week.
A lecturer, speaking anonymously, criticized the strike, suggesting that the demand for the same retirement age as academic staff stems from “jealousy.” He noted, “In universities, professors retire at 70, and other academic staff at 65. This allows for research and book writing, contributing to academic knowledge. If the non-academic staff want the same benefits, they should change their status to academic staff.”
The ongoing strike continues to disrupt academic activities, with no resolution in sight. Students and staff are calling on the state government to address the matter promptly to prevent further disruptions to the institution’s academic calendar.
