Strike Action: Non-Academic Staff Shut Down Akwa Ibom Polytechnic

A strike by non-academic staff at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic took a dramatic turn on Thursday when union members barricaded all gates to the institution, denying access to students and lecturers.

The workers are demanding a retirement age of 65, displaying placards calling on the state government to intervene.

The striking members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic displayed a placard at the gate, reading: "Please come and salvage the situation by directing the implementation of a 65-year retirement age."

However, a lecturer who wished to remain anonymous criticized the strike, saying: "In the university system, professors are given a retirement age of 70 years, while other academic staff have 65 years. The additional five years are for research and writing books, allowing them to contribute their experiences to the academic community before retiring."

The lecturer added: "If the non-academic staff want a 65-year retirement age, they should change their status to academic staff and enjoy such privileges. They should also write books to contribute to knowledge in the academic community."

The situation was brought under control by the Chief Security Officer, who ordered the gates to be opened to prevent escalation. The strike has disrupted classes and raised concerns about the impact on students' education. The dispute highlights tensions between academic and non-academic staff over retirement ages and benefits.