Ebonyi: COEASU threatens strike, issues 14-day ultimatum

The Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo branch of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the college over poor welfare and salary disparities.

The COEASU branch Chairman, Dr Nnachi Ama, announced the ultimatum at a press conference in Abakaliki on Monday.

Ama, accompanied at the briefing by his Secretary, Dr Augustine Igwe, said the resolution to embark on strike was reached during the union’s congress held at the TETFUND Lecture Theatre, on Thursday.

He said that 84 members attended the congress.

He also said that the ultimatum was to allow the management to address lingering issues surrounding staff welfare, salary structure, and pension benefits.

The union, however, commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru for the giant stride recorded in infrastructure development.

It also thanked the governor for increased student enrollment in the college, largely attributed to the State Government’s scholarship programme for Ebonyi indigenes.

It, however, decried what it termed the “ugly and pitiable” working conditions of the members of staff.

According to the union, the college currently operates on 87 per cent of the 2010 salary structure, while other colleges have transitioned to the 2024 structure.

It lamented that staff members were yet to benefit from the ₦70,000 New National Minimum Wage, because the institution still operated the previous minimum wage framework.

The union pointed out that the development “has worsened the economic hardship faced by staff, many of which struggle to meet basic needs”.

It also raised concerns over the non-payment of pensions and gratuities to retired staff members, saying that employees leave service without terminal benefits.

The union further disclosed that in 2025, eight members died from “treatable ailments” 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 union leaders said.

They recalled that during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, the Nigeria Labour Congress highlighted the salary concerns affecting the college.

“In response, the governor directed the college management to engage him for a lasting solution,” they further said.

They expressed disappointment that no meaningful engagement had taken place, while the plight of the lecturers worsen, due to the prevailing 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.

“Failure to meet our demands will leave the union with no option but to embark on a warning strike,” they said.

The union affirmed its commitment to industrial harmony but urged swift government’s action to avert a disruption in academic activities in the institution