College Of Education Lecturers Extends Strike by Another 3 Weeks
Lecturers in Nigerian Colleges of Education, under the umbrella of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), have announced a three-week extension of their ongoing nationwide strike.
The union said the decision became necessary following the Federal Government’s continued failure to adopt the University Transparency and Accountability System (UTAS) as requested by the union, as well as the inability of several state governments to resolve problems affecting state-owned colleges of education.
According to COEASU, many state governments have not addressed challenges that are unique to their colleges of education. The union specifically mentioned Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Abia, Kogi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Edo and Ebonyi states as areas where issues remain unresolved.
The union further lamented that conditions have worsened in some of the affected states following the implementation of the controversial “no work, no pay” policy and the alleged victimisation of union leaders.
On the part of the Federal Government, COEASU stated that there is still no clear position on the union’s preference for UTAS as an alternative to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which the union described as problematic for the tertiary education system.
COEASU explained that it has already submitted its charter of demands to the Federal Government’s negotiation team. However, the union noted that the sincerity and commitment of the government to genuine collective bargaining can only be determined when the formal renegotiation process begins.
The union disclosed that the proper renegotiation is scheduled to commence on August 2, 2022.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union. The communiqué was jointly signed by the National President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, and the General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Lawan.
While acknowledging the appeals from various stakeholders calling for the suspension of the strike, COEASU said the union must carefully consider the timing of any suspension in order to protect and consolidate the gains of the ongoing struggle.
Consequently, the National Executive Council unanimously resolved that the strike should continue for another three weeks, within which the union hopes that the relevant authorities will adequately address the identified concerns and reservations.
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Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did COEASU extend the strike by three weeks?
COEASU extended the strike because the Federal Government has not clearly accepted the union’s preferred payment platform, UTAS, and many state governments have failed to resolve outstanding issues affecting state-owned colleges of education.
Which states were mentioned as having unresolved issues?
The union listed Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Abia, Kogi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Edo and Ebonyi states as places where problems affecting colleges of education are yet to be properly addressed.
What is the main disagreement between COEASU and the Federal Government?
The major disagreement centres on the payment and accountability platform to be used for lecturers. COEASU prefers the University Transparency and Accountability System (UTAS), while the Federal Government continues to push the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which the union considers unsuitable.
What did COEASU say about the “no work, no pay” policy?
The union stated that the enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy in some states has worsened the situation and has also led to the victimisation of some union leaders.
When is the Federal Government expected to begin formal negotiations with COEASU?
According to the union, the formal renegotiation process with the Federal Government is expected to begin on August 2, 2022.
