Nkechinyere Ewa
Academic activities at Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, were on Monday brought to a halt as lecturers commenced a one-week warning strike over poor conditions of service, unpaid entitlements, and failure to implement an approved salary structure.
The industrial action followed the expiration of earlier 14-day and 7-day ultimatums issued to the state government and the institution’s management, leaving the campus largely deserted. Examination activities were abruptly suspended, while administrative offices and the school gate remained locked.
Chairman of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Amma N. Nnachi, said the strike was unavoidable after prolonged neglect and unsuccessful negotiations with authorities.
“We are on strike because the government has failed to implement the 2024 salary structure. This is already 2026, yet nothing has been done,” he stated.
Nnachi decried the continued use of a salary structure dating back to 2010, describing it as unjust and unsustainable. He noted that some lecturers with over two decades of service still earn less than ₦30,000 monthly, despite the rising cost of living.
“In a time when fuel costs over ₦1,500 per litre, our members can barely survive. Many are dying due to hardship,” he added.
The union leader also highlighted the non-payment of pensions and gratuities to retired staff, calling for urgent government intervention and the gazetting of the institution.
“You dedicate 35 years of service and retire with nothing no pension, no gratuity. That is unacceptable,” he said.
He warned that the union would escalate to an indefinite strike if their demands were not addressed after the warning strike.
Confirming the development, the Provost of the college, Prof. Benedict Chukwuma Mbam, said management had already notified the Ebonyi State Government of the lecturers’ demands.
“They are insisting on the implementation of the 2024 salary structure approved by the Salaries and Wages Commission. We have communicated this to the government,” Mbam explained.
He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved once the government intervenes, noting that payment of salaries falls under its responsibility.
“As soon as the governor responds, I believe this matter will be addressed,” he said.
Mbam also clarified that students had been directed to proceed on a one-week Easter break, dismissing reports that they were abandoned on campus.
“Students were asked to go on Easter break. Those still around may just be uncertain due to the strike,” he added.
Despite this, lecturers maintained that the crisis reflects a deeper pattern of systemic neglect, arguing that even the government’s basic responsibility of paying salaries has not been fulfilled.
“All the infrastructure here is externally funded. The government’s primary obligation is staff welfare, and that is being neglected,” a union member alleged.
The strike has also reignited concerns over the plight of retired staff, many of whom say they have yet to receive their benefits years after leaving service.
A retired lecturer, Oke Celestin, lamented his condition, saying, “I retired in 2022 and have not received any benefits. I survive from hand to mouth.”
Another retiree, Samuel Oualaka, appealed for urgent intervention. “We are suffering. Others have been paid, but we have been forgotten,” he said.
The disruption has left students stranded, especially those who were preparing to sit for examinations before the break.
Nkoko Uchena, a 200-level student, described the situation as disappointing. “We came for exams only to meet the gate locked. It’s frustrating,” he said.
Another student, Oke Rose, urged the government to act swiftly. “We were ready for exams, but everything stopped. We plead with the government to resolve this so we can continue,” she said.
Also speaking, Nwigboji Prince Chukwuebuka appealed for a quick resolution to the crisis. “Whatever the issue is, they should settle it so we can go on with our education,” he said.