The ongoing strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osura, in the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as union members blocked all entry gates to the institution, demanding the implementation of a 65-year retirement age.
The barricade prevented both students and lecturers from accessing the campus for early morning lectures. Protesters displayed banners at the gates with messages urging the authorities to address their demands for parity in retirement age with the academic staff.
The situation was brought under control after the Chief Security Officer intervened and ordered that the gates be reopened.
A lecturer, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the strike, suggesting that NASU’s demand stemmed from envy toward academic staff, who are already entitled to a 65-year retirement age. “In the university system, professors retire at 70, and other academic staff at 65. If non-academic staff want the same, they should join the academic ranks and contribute to research and knowledge,” the lecturer said.
Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Moses Umobong, downplayed the incident, stating that while the union had planned to lock the gates, his directive ensured the gates remained open. “Nothing significant happened. The gates were kept open in compliance with my order,” he added.
