The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo branch, has issued a 14-day strike ultimatum to the management of the institution.
The union at press conference on Monday in Abakaliki said that the ultimatum was allow management to address lingering issues surrounding staff welfare, salary structure, and pension benefits.
The resolution was reached during a Congress of the union held on Thursday, February 26, at the TETFUND Lecture Theatre, with 84 members in attendance.
The press conference addressed by the COESU chairman, Dr Nnachi Ama and the secretary, Dr Augustine Igwe, the union expressed appreciation to Gov. Francis Nwifuru, for giant strides recorded in infrastructural development.
The union also appreciated the governor for increased student enrollment at the college, largely attributed to the state government’s scholarship programme for Ebonyi indigenes.
However, it decried what it termed the “ugly and pitiable” working conditions of staff, noting that the college currently operated on 87 per cent of the 2010 salary structure while other colleges have transitioned to the 2024 structure.
It further lamented that staff were yet to benefit from the New National Minimum Wage of ₦70,000, as the institution still operated on the previous minimum wage framework.
According to the union, the situation has worsened the economic hardship faced by staff, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs.
It also raised concerns over the non-payment of pension and gratuity to retired staff, alleging that employees leave service without terminal benefits.
The union revealed that in 2025 alone, eight members of staff died from ailments described as treatable but were allegedly unable to access adequate medical care due to financial constraints.
“Presently, seven academic staff are reportedly critically ill, a situation the union linked to poor remuneration,” the leaders said.
COEASU recalled that during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) highlighted the salary concerns affecting the college.
In response, the governor directed the college management to engage him for a lasting solution.
The union, however, expressed disappointment that no meaningful engagement has taken place while plights of the lecturers worsen due to economic hardship.
“The 14-day ultimatum, which commenced on February 27, demands immediate implementation of the 2024 CONPCASS salary structure and urgent steps by management to secure payment of pension and gratuity for staff.
“The union warned that failure to meet its demands will leave it with no option but to embark on a warning strike.
“COEASU reaffirmed its commitment to industrial harmony but urges swift action to avert disruption of academic activities in the institution.”
