Primary and secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State have embarked on an indefinite strike. A statement yesterday by the Senior State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Victor Amirize, said the strike became necessary, following the failure of the government to meet their demands.

”The leadership of Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing hereby declares an indefinite strike action against the government of Akwa Ibom State with effect from midnight of Tuesday 15th March, 2022.

The NUT hereby orders all primary and secondary school teachers in public school to proceed on an indefinite strike action.

The resolution was taken after all avenues of negotiation and amicable resolutions failed on the part of the State Government. The government could not address the demands of the teachers after twenty one (21) working days and subsequent seven (7) days ultimatum given by the Union to government. The government promise of payment of one (1) year leave grant on compassionate ground and completion of payment of one (1) month minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers could not be actualized.

They demanded the following:

  • Refund of 7% contributory pension to primary school teachers;
  • payment of gratuity/harmonisation of pension to retired teachers;
  • payment of 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 annual leave grant to primary school teachers
  • the payment promotion arrears of six (6) years, from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, for primary schools teachers;
  • the release of 2017 and 2018 promotion exercise conducted by SUBEB”

However, the Honourable commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet has directed pupils and students in public primary and secondary school across the State to stay at home pending notification for resumption by the Ministry of Education.

She also advised parents and Guardians to regulate the activities of their children and wards while at home by ensuring they are focused on reading books.

The Honourable Commissioner assured all concerned that the State Government is on top of the situation and is working very hard to ensure agitations and grievances are amicably resolved as soon as possible.