The Plateau State tertiary education sector is bracing for upheaval as the Joint Unions of Academic Staff of Plateau Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUASPTI) announced a warning strike in response to perceived government failures and controversial appointments.
JUASPTI, the umbrella body representing academic staff in Plateau State-owned tertiary institutions, has declared a state of impasse with the Plateau State Government (PLSG). The strike action comes as a culmination of unresolved grievances and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of previous commitments and appointments within the sector.
Previously, academic staff had suspended a strike in anticipation of government action on their demands. However, the government’s failure to fulfill promises coupled with what the union perceives as undue sackings and appointments of institutional heads prompted the resumption of industrial action. Reports indicate that heads of institutions such as Plateau State Polytechnic, School of Health Zawan, and College of Education Gindiri were replaced with retired civil servants, further fueling discontent among academic staff.
JUASPTI issued a notice of the impending strike, scheduled to commence and conclude on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, signaling a firm stance against what they deem as unilateral and inappropriate governmental actions.
Efforts by the State Government to forestall the strike included the mobilization of support among staff members appointed by the government. Allegations abound that these appointees are disrupting ongoing congresses within the institutions, seeking to justify the government’s actions and undermine the impending strike.
Sources within the congresses claim that the appointed heads are attempting to circumvent established procedures outlined in institutional gazettes for appointments. They argue that the appointments of heads and the insertion of retired civil servants into roles such as bursars and registrars directly contravene established protocols, disregarding qualified serving staff.
The looming strike has garnered support beyond academic staff, with Non-academic and Senior Staff Associations also joining the cause, underscoring widespread discontent within the Plateau State tertiary education sector. As tensions escalate, the standoff between JUASPTI and the Plateau State Government threatens to disrupt academic activities in the state’s tertiary institutions indefinitely.
