Teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State have embarked on strike because of the failure of the government to clear their debts.
The development led to the closure of public schools all over the state.
The strike was declared in a circular dated April 20, 2023, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary- General of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Sam Umo-Inyang.
A copy of the circular was sent to the Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Labour & Manpower Planning and a few other stakeholders.
According to the circular titled: ‘Resumption of Strike action’ and obtained yesterday in Uyo, the strike took effect on April 25.
The statement said: “I am directed to inform you and you are hereby informed that the state wing, Executive Council of Nigeria Union of Teachers, which comprises representatives of teachers from the 31 local governments, has approved the resumption of strike, which was started in March 2022, but suspended due to the intervention by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“The strike takes effect from April 25, 2023.
“The resumption of the industrial action is consequent upon government’s refusal to implement the agreements reached with the Nigeria Union of Teachers on the outstanding indebtedness in the state, despite appeals from the NUT and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the grievances are as follows: Non-refund of 75 per cent contributory pension to primary and some secondary school teachers in the state, non-release of years 2021 and 2022 promotion letters to deserving secondary school teachers.
“Non-payment of years 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2022 leave grants to primary school teachers. Non-payment of years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 promotion arrears to primary school teachers.
“Non-promotion of deserving primary school teachers from salary Grade levels 14 to 15 and from Grade levels 15 to 16 for over nine years.
“In view of the above , you are further informed that teachers will not resume work on April 25, 2023 as they will remain in their homes until the above mentioned indebtedness are cleared by the government.”