In a bold and dramatic move, striking non-academic staff at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic have taken control of the institution’s gates, denying access to students and lecturers.
The protest, which began on today, is a passionate cry for equality, as workers demand a retirement age of 65, aligning with their academic counterparts.
As the sun rose over the polytechnic, workers gathered, determined to make their voices heard.
With placards in hand, they called on the state government to intervene, seeking a fairer deal for non-academic staff. The usually bustling campus was brought to a standstill, as the striking workers stood firm, refusing to back down.
READ MORE: Apple’s Website Goes Offline Hours Before iPhone 16 Launch, Leaves Fans In Suspense
The situation required the intervention of the Chief Security Officer, who carefully negotiated with the protesters, eventually reopening the gates to prevent further disruption. However, the message was clear: the workers would no longer be silenced.
A lecturer, speaking anonymously, shared concerns that the strike was motivated by jealousy towards academic staff, who enjoy a higher retirement age. “It’s not about equality,” they said. “If they want the same privileges, they should contribute to academic research and knowledge, just like we do.”
As the protest continues, students and lecturers remain caught in the middle, their academic pursuits put on hold.
The situation highlights the deep-seated tensions between different staff categories in Nigeria’s educational institutions, sparking essential conversations about fairness, equality, and the value of every role within the academic community.
