Akwa Ibom Poly Strike Escalates As Non-Academic Staff Barricade Institution Over Retirement Age Demand

Story Summary:

• Non-Academic Staff Union of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic escalated their strike by barricading all gates to the institution, demanding a 65-year retirement age.
• Students and lecturers were blocked from entering the campus, disrupting early morning lectures.
• The union called on the state government to intervene and implement the 65-year retirement policy for non-academic staff.
• The situation was temporarily resolved after the Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer ordered the gates to be reopened, but the strike continues into its second week.
• A lecturer criticised the strike, claiming it stems from jealousy over academic staff’s retirement age, stating that non-academic staff should switch to academic roles if they desire similar privileges.

The ongoing strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura, escalated on Thursday as members blocked all entry points into the institution, intensifying their demand for the implementation of a 65-year retirement age.

Students and lecturers rushing for morning lectures were denied access as the aggrieved union members barricaded all gates, causing disruption across the campus.

A banner displayed at the gates urged the state government to “please come and salvage the situation by directing the implementation of a 65-year retirement age.”

Reports indicated that the situation was only brought under control after the Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer intervened and ordered the gates to be reopened.

Despite this, the union’s demands remain unresolved as the strike entered its second week.

A lecturer, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the situation, calling the strike an act of “jealousy” against academic staff who were granted a 65-year retirement age.

“In the university system, professors retire at 70, while other academic staff retire at 65. The additional years allow them to contribute to academic research and knowledge,” the lecturer stated. “If the non-academic staff want the same retirement age, they should transition to academic roles and contribute to the academic community.”