Plateau Tertiary Institutions Shut Down as Lecturers Begin Seven-Day Warning Strike
Academic activities in Plateau State-owned tertiary institutions have been disrupted as the Joint Union of Academic Staff of Plateau State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUASPTI) embarks on a seven-day warning strike starting today.
The union declared the strike in response to the state government’s prolonged neglect of critical issues affecting the education sector and the welfare of academic staff. Despite over two years of negotiations, the government has failed to address their demands, leading to growing frustration among lecturers.
Speaking to the press at the City Campus of Plateau State Polytechnic, JUASPTI Chairman, Comrade Lawam Tobias Deban, criticized the recent removal of four heads of tertiary institutions without following due process. He noted that the government’s announcement on February 6, 2024, replaced the chief executives of Plateau State Polytechnic, the College of Education, the College of Health in Zawan, and the College in Pankshin with temporary appointees, contrary to the law governing these institutions.
The union also expressed concerns over the prolonged tenure of these acting executives, pointing out that institutional regulations limit temporary appointments to six months without renewal. More than a year later, the appointees remain in office, raising fears that the government is undermining the rule of law.
Also, JUASPTI highlighted the severe understaffing in these institutions. The last major recruitment exercise was in 2006, and since then, retirements, deaths, and brain drain have left many departments struggling. Despite the introduction of new programs, there has been no effort to fill the gaps, further straining the education system.
The union reminded the state government that several issues that led to a previous strike in August 2023 remain unresolved. With no concrete action taken to address their concerns, the lecturers see the warning strike as a necessary step to push for long-overdue reforms.
JUASPTI warned that if the government fails to take decisive action at the end of the seven-day warning strike, they may be left with no choice but to embark on an indefinite industrial action.
