Strike Suspended In Five Bauchi Tertiary Institutions

The following higher institutions of learning; Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), Aminu Saleh College of Education, AD Rufai College Legal and Islamic Studies, Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education and College of Agriculture, have all been directed to resume their academic sessions to end days of inactivity.

The state institutions, Naija News understands, have earlier embarked on twelve days warning strikes.

Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and non-Academic Staff Union of the five tertiary institutions owned by the state government are said to have embarked on the industrial action to convey pressing issues to the Governor Bala Mohammed’s led administration.

Among many issues, JAC had demanded that all outstanding issues such as consequential adjustments, proposed Contributory Pension Scheme and Contributory Health scheme should all be addressed by the government to avoid an indefinite strike after the first warning strike.

However, a press release on Tuesday which was jointly signed by the Chairman and the Secretary, Comrade Abdulkadir Mohammed and Comrade Ibrahim Bala Abdullahi, respectively, directed members to of the Academic Union to immediately resume their various duties.

Naija News understands that JAC’s 12 days warning strike ended on 30th July 2022.

The Academic Union, however, at its emergency meeting at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, resolved to suspend the warning strike and convey the development to the general public.

It explained that the suspension followed consideration that the government showed some signs of commitment to address the pressing issues that led to the strike.

JAC, however, stated that the suspension is subject to the following conditions: “No single JAC member’s salary problem should be left unattended as assured and reassured by the State Government.

“Also, promotion implementation should go concurrently with the yearly increment, otherwise JAC cannot accommodate split implementation, just as all issues associated with 65 years retirement age should be addressed once and for all.”

The academic union appreciated its members for their unalloyed support, cooperation and continuous prayers for the success of the struggle, stating that, “We acknowledged the concern of the State Government, particularly that of the Head of Service and the Commissioner of Education over the contentious issues.”

It added that “the zeal of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammad (Kauran Bauchi) to respond positively to the problems is also highly appreciated. Very importantly, JAC is highly delighted with the media houses and the concern, support and sympathy of the general public throughout the warning strike.

“Meanwhile, from now to the payment of August 2022 salary, JAC will progress and decide on the next line of action as appropriate. Consequently, JAC is hereby directing its members to resume work immediately.”