Students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Friday, pleaded with Gov David Umahi to address the demands of the striking workers of the institution before his May 29 handover.
The students, who spoke with THE WHISTLER, said it would be the antithesis of Umahi’s eight years’ administration if he failed to find a lasting solution to the matter.
Our correspondent reports that three workers’ unions of the university, yesterday, began an indefinite strike over unpaid wages.
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They are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Other Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists. They locked every entrance to the school.
Nnenna Chukwu, a student of biochemistry in the institution, told our correspondent that, “I am still in my hostel because I heard that the state commissioner for education would address the workers this morning. If they fail to find a solution, I will leave immediately. I am tired of incessant strikes. It’s a pity that Umahi left what he ought to do, and focused on his political ambition only.”
Another student, identified as Charles Iboko, said, “We expect Gov Umahi to urgently address these issues. I doubt if our leaders are sincere with us by their insensitive policies. If Gov Umahi truly is owing the workers, one wonders the accounts he will render after leaving office in about two weeks from now.
“The truth is that our students are not happy. We pay heavy school fees, yet this strike could not be averted. This is why some students are leaving for private universities where their graduation is guaranteed.”
Our correspondent gathered that the workers are being owed three months’ arrears. The university’s chairperson of SSANU, Elias Odigbo, said the indefinite strike was to protest the non-payment of three months’ salaries, adding that the last time the varsity paid salaries was in February.
In his words, “We also want the government to actualise our promotion since 2016. Since 2016 no promotion has been made, especially for non-academic staff.
“Another reason is that during the COVID-19 lockdown, there were 20 per cent deductions from our salaries with promises to refund the deductions. The management refunded only five months’ deductions up till now.
“We have 10 months of deductions left, and we have been begging for a refund to no avail. We also need conversion of staff for those who have acquired additional qualifications.
“We are not fighting the government or the school management. All we are asking for is our rights. The workers need their wages to work diligently.”
The NASU chairperson, Nwovu Origbo, urged the state government to pay the outstanding three months’ salaries and refund the 20 per cent of COVID-19 deductions.
He said, “We are not going to call off the strike until all our demands are met. We are not beggars but workers.”