By Nkechinyere Ewa
Members of the (COEASU), Ebonyi state College of Education Ikwo chapter, have lamented what they described as deplorable working conditions in the institution, saying the situation has subjected staff to severe hardship.
The union disclosed that eight of its members died in 2025 due to what it termed harsh economic realities and inability to afford medical treatment for treatable ailments.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Monday after the union’s congress, the Chairman, Nnachi Ama, revealed that no fewer than seven academic staff are currently critically ill and unable to pay for proper medical care because of poor remuneration.
He explained that the college still operates on 87 per cent of the 2010 salary structure, while other colleges of education across the country have migrated to the 2024 salary structure.
According to him, staff of the college are still receiving a minimum wage of ₦30,000, despite the ₦70,000 minimum wage currently in operation. He noted that the state government had further increased the minimum wage by ₦20,000, bringing it to ₦90,000 for some workers in the state.
“Congress observed with total dismay the ugly and pitiful working conditions of college staff. Notably, the college presently operates with 87 per cent of the 2010 salary structure, even as other colleges of education operate with the 2024 salary structure,” he said.
“It is important to place on record that staff of Ebonyi State College of Education still receive ₦30,000 minimum wage against ₦70,000 which is operational now. As a result, many staff earn less than ₦70,000 monthly.”
The chairman further decried the non-payment of pension and gratuity to retired staff, saying employees entitled to terminal benefits leave service without receiving them.
“Our staff die in their numbers because of the harsh economic conditions we have found ourselves in. For emphasis, in 2025 alone, we buried eight members of staff who died of treatable ailments because they could not access medical attention due to lack of funds,” he added.
He said the issue of the college salary structure was raised by the during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, and that Governor had reportedly directed the college management to approach him for a lasting solution.
However, the union accused the college management of failing to engage the governor on the matter.
“Information gathered from the NLC chairman in his recent engagement with the governor revealed clearly that management has not met with him. Perhaps this is because management staff enjoy full salaries, a situation not applicable to other staff,” Nnachi alleged.
COEASU has therefore issued a 14-day ultimatum beginning from February 27, 2026, demanding the immediate implementation of the 2024 salary structure and full payment of staff salaries.
The union also called on the management to urgently engage the governor to secure guaranteed payment of pension and gratuity for staff upon retirement.
Nnachi warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would leave the union with no option but to embark on a warning strike, though he expressed optimism that the issues would be addressed to ensure continued industrial harmony in the institution.