Staff members of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have commenced a seven-day warning strike, accompanied by a protest walk around the school premises. The protest, organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), began after a brief congress at the institution’s TETFund auditorium.
The workers are protesting the management’s poor handling of their demands, which include the non-payment of a 38% balance of salary shortfall, non-payment of promotion arrears, and forceful conversion of staff, among other issues.
After the congress, the protesters marched to the Rector’s Office, displaying placards with inscriptions such as, “SSANIP says no to unnecessary transfer of members,” “No to forceful conversion of staff,” “Pay us our 38% balance salary shortfall (2016–2018),” and “Pay us our correct salary placement arrears (2015-2018),” while chanting solidarity songs.
Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of SSANIP, Federal Polytechnic Ukana chapter, Mr. Tamunosiki Daka, emphasized that the protest aimed to demand better welfare for staff, not to fight anyone. He expressed disappointment that the management has ignored issues concerning personnel salary shortfalls since 2015, despite frequent reminders.
Daka also called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the personnel salaries of the institution from 2015, particularly regarding claims that all shortfalls were paid in full, which he disputed.
Despite the protest being taken to the Rector’s office, neither the Rector nor a representative addressed the protesters, leaving their demands unmet. Daka warned that if their demands are not addressed, all offices, including that of the Rector, will be shut down by Monday.
